HOSANNA
(from the Gr. “hõsanna”, derived from the Heb. “hõshï’ãh-nã'”, Ps. 118:25, imperative “hiph’ïl”: “Save now!”, or “we beg you to save!” It was the acclaim of the people when Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mt. 21:9, 15; Mark 11:9, 10; John 12:13).
According to Jewish tradition, Ps. 118:25 was recited once on each of the first six days of the Feast of Tabernacles, while a solemn procession took place around the altar of burnt offerings.
The seventh day was repeated seven times. Originally, it had the meaning of a supplication, but, as the context of the Gospels shows, it came to be an exclamation of joy and hope.