# We're all aware the Hallelujah chorus is an easter song, not a Chirstmas song, right?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-all-aware-the-hallelujah-chorus-is-an-easter-song-not-a-chirstmas-song-right/337128>\
**Category:** The BBQ Pit\
**Created:** [December 25, 2005, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-all-aware-the-hallelujah-chorus-is-an-easter-song-not-a-chirstmas-song-right/337128 "2005-12-25T01:58:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\
**Post date:** [December 26, 2005, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-all-aware-the-hallelujah-chorus-is-an-easter-song-not-a-chirstmas-song-right/337128/21 "2005-12-26T16:04:06Z")

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I agree that the Hallelujah Chorus is just a great piece of music, and I just like hearing it. Who cares if it’s not technically appropriate? What I don’t get is the tradition of standing during it. I don’t understand why people do this?

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**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\
**Post date:** [December 26, 2005, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-all-aware-the-hallelujah-chorus-is-an-easter-song-not-a-chirstmas-song-right/337128/22 "2005-12-26T16:09:38Z")

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> [@Dewey Finn](#):
>
> What I don’t get is the tradition of standing during it. I don’t understand why people do this?

The Wikipedia article I linked to above answers that, as well:

> [@](#):
>
> In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section during a performance. Tradition has it that on first hearing the chorus, King George II rose to his feet to honor Jesus as Sovereign, according to the custom that calls for those of lower status to stand in the presence of royalty. Upon the king’s rising, the rest of the audience arose as well to affirm the Hallelujah Chorus’ proclaimation of Jesus as the “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

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