Hymn vs. Anthem — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 20, 2024
Hymns are religious songs of praise, typically addressed to deities or saints. Anthems, however, are patriotic or ceremonial songs symbolizing national identity or group allegiance.
Difference Between Hymn and Anthem
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hymns are primarily religious in nature, used in worship services to express reverence and adoration towards a deity or saints. They are characterized by their spiritual content and are often sung in churches or during religious ceremonies. On the other hand, anthems are powerful, emotive songs associated with national pride or significant events, serving to unite people under a common identity or cause.
While hymns are intended to facilitate a spiritual connection and encourage congregational participation in a religious context, anthems aim to evoke a sense of unity, patriotism, or solidarity among a group or nation. Anthems can be national, serving as symbols of a country’s heritage and values, or they can be adopted by organizations, movements, or sports teams to signify unity and common purpose.
The musical style of hymns is typically solemn, reflective, and geared towards fostering a worshipful atmosphere. These compositions focus on melodies that are conducive to group singing, often featuring straightforward harmonies and rhythms that accommodate congregational participation. In contrast, anthems might encompass a broader range of musical styles, from classical to contemporary, depending on their purpose and the context in which they are used. The complexity and arrangement of an anthem can vary widely, often designed to inspire and stir emotions.
Hymns are composed with the intent of glorifying or petitioning a higher power, containing theological themes, scriptures, or prayers. They are a medium for worshippers to express faith, devotion, and religious beliefs. Anthems, however, carry lyrics that reflect national pride, historical achievements, struggles, or the collective aspirations of a people or group. The content is aimed at reinforcing identity, loyalty, and communal bonds.
Both hymns and anthems play crucial roles in their respective contexts by using music and lyrics to convey profound messages and emotions. While hymns seek to deepen the spiritual experience and strengthen faith among believers, anthems are used to commemorate, celebrate, and instill a sense of belonging and pride among members of a nation or group.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Spiritual worship, praise
National pride, unity, identity
Context
Religious services, ceremonies
National ceremonies, events, movements
Musical Style
Solemn, reflective, conducive to group singing
Varied styles, often more complex and emotive
Lyrics
Theological themes, prayer, devotion
National pride, unity, historical achievements
Audience
Congregation, worshippers
Citizens, members of a group or organization
Compare with Definitions
Hymn
Theological Content.
Hymns often incorporate theological themes and scriptures into their verses.
Anthem
Symbol of Unity.
The team's anthem brought everyone together, symbolizing unity and common purpose.
Hymn
Congregational Singing.
The congregation joined in singing the familiar hymn, united in worship.
Anthem
Emotive Music.
The anthem’s powerful music stirred emotions in all who heard it.
Hymn
Worship Element.
Hymns play a crucial role in the worship experience, facilitating a spiritual atmosphere.
Anthem
Ceremonial Role.
The anthem is often performed during significant national events, commemorating important moments.
Hymn
Devotional Lyrics.
The hymn's lyrics spoke of faith and devotion to the divine.
Anthem
National Pride.
The national anthem was played at the ceremony, instilling a sense of patriotism.
Hymn
Spiritual Song.
The choir sang a beautiful hymn of praise during the service.
Anthem
Reflecting Identity.
The anthem reflects the nation's identity, celebrating its history and values.
Hymn
A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification. The word hymn derives from Greek ὕμνος (hymnos), which means "a song of praise".
Anthem
An anthem is a musical composition of celebration, usually used as a symbol for a distinct group, particularly the national anthems of countries. Originally, and in music theory and religious contexts, it also refers more particularly to short sacred choral work (still frequently seen in Sacred Harp and other types of shape note singing) and still more particularly to a specific form of liturgical music.
Hymn
A song of praise or thanksgiving to God or a deity.
Anthem
A hymn of praise or loyalty.
Hymn
A song of praise or joy; a paean.
Anthem
A choral composition having a sacred or moralizing text in English.
Hymn
To praise, glorify, or worship in or as if in a hymn.
Anthem
A popular song, especially a rock song felt to sum up the attitudes or feelings associated with a period or social group.
Hymn
To sing hymns.
Anthem
(archaic) Antiphon.
Hymn
A song of praise or worship, especially a religious one.
Anthem
A choral or vocal composition, often with a religious or political lyric.
The school's anthem sang of its many outstanding qualities, and it was hard to keep a straight face while singing.
Hymn
(ambitransitive) To sing a hymn.
Anthem
A hymn of praise or loyalty.
The choir sang a selection of Christmas anthems at the service just before the big day.
Hymn
(transitive) To praise or extol in hymns.
Anthem
(informal) A very popular song or track.
Hymn
An ode or song of praise or adoration; especially, a religious ode, a sacred lyric; a song of praise or thanksgiving intended to be used in religious service; as, the Homeric hymns; Watts' hymns.
Admonishing one another in psalms and hymns.
Where angels first should practice hymns, and stringTheir tuneful harps.
Anthem
To celebrate with anthems.
Hymn
To praise in song; to worship or extol by singing hymns; to sing.
To hymn the bright of the Lord.
Their praise is hymned by loftier harps than mine.
Anthem
Formerly, a hymn sung in alternate parts, in present usage, a selection from the Psalms, or other parts of the Scriptures or the liturgy, set to sacred music.
Hymn
To sing in praise or adoration.
Anthem
A song or hymn of praise or devotion; as, a national anthem.
Hymn
A song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)
Anthem
To celebrate with anthems.
Sweet birds antheming the morn.
Hymn
Sing a hymn
Anthem
A song of devotion or loyalty (as to a nation or school)
Hymn
Praise by singing a hymn;
They hymned their love of God
Anthem
A song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)
Common Curiosities
Can hymns only be Christian?
While hymns are commonly associated with Christianity, many religions have their own forms of hymns for worship and praise.
Is it common for hymns to be sung outside religious contexts?
Typically, hymns are sung within religious contexts, though some may be adapted for non-religious settings due to their musical or lyrical beauty.
What is a hymn?
A hymn is a religious song of praise, typically used in worship to express adoration towards a deity or saints.
What role do anthems play in national identity?
Anthems play a crucial role in reinforcing national identity, unity, and pride among citizens.
Are there guidelines for composing hymns?
While there are no strict guidelines, hymns generally follow patterns that facilitate congregational singing and reflect theological themes.
Are all national songs considered anthems?
Not all national songs are anthems, but all national anthems are songs that represent a country's heritage and values.
Can an anthem be religious?
An anthem can have religious overtones if it reflects the historical or cultural context of the nation or group it represents.
Can a song be both a hymn and an anthem?
A song might serve both roles in specific contexts, especially if it has religious significance and is adopted as a national symbol.
How does one show respect when an anthem is played?
Respect is shown by standing, and often by singing along or remaining silent, depending on the country’s customs and the context.
What defines an anthem?
An anthem is a song symbolizing national identity or group allegiance, often associated with patriotism or significant ceremonial events.
How do anthems differ from other patriotic songs?
Anthems are officially recognized as representing a nation or group, whereas other patriotic songs may celebrate the country without official status.
What happens if a country changes its anthem?
When a country changes its anthem, it usually reflects significant political or social changes, aiming to better represent the nation's identity and values.
Why are hymns important in worship?
Hymns are important for facilitating worship, expressing faith, and encouraging congregational participation and unity.
How are new hymns and anthems created?
New hymns and anthems are often created by composers inspired by current religious, historical, or cultural themes relevant to their intended audience.
Can hymns be instrumental?
Hymns can be played instrumentally, especially as part of worship services or for meditative purposes, though they are traditionally sung.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
