liturgical drama
- noun
- /lɪˈtɜrdʒɪkəl ˈdrɑːmə/
- Literature
:
drama litúrgico
- One hallmark of liturgical drama is that it was performed in Latin and featured chanted dialogue.
Examples
-
During the Easter service, the congregation watched a liturgical drama that depicted the resurrection of Christ.
-
Sometimes they served as the libretto for para-liturgical drama; other times the books themselves were ritual objects.
Academic text (2007) -
Its depiction in this space may be linked to the Depositio crucis liturgical drama, which evidence suggests often took place in the space of the western portal and porch.
Academic text (2005) -
The students studied a famous liturgical drama from the medieval period that illustrated biblical events.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A play from the Middle Ages that tells Bible stories, often about Jesus, performed for people
How Religious
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'liturgical' (related to formal religious ceremonies) and 'drama' (a play), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a play associated with religious rites. While specific historical details (medieval performance, Latin chant) are specialized, the core meaning 'a religious play performed as part of liturgy' is directly predictable from the constituents.
Etymology
Liturgical drama comes from church life long ago, when short Bible stories were acted or sung during a church 'service'. The word links liturgical, meaning about the church 'service', and drama, meaning a 'play', so it now means a religious play performed as part of worship.