spiritual
noun/ˈspɪrɪtʃuəl/
/ˈspɪrɪtʃuəl/
(also Negro spiritual)
- a religious song of the type created by black Christians in the southern states of the USCultureSpirituals began in the 18th century when African Americans kept as slaves combined African rhythms with Protestant European hymns (= religious songs). Famous spirituals include Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Steal Away and Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen. Well-known singers of spirituals have included Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson.see also gospel musicTopics Musicc2Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French spirituel, from Latin spiritualis, from spiritus ‘breath, spirit’, from spirare ‘breathe’.
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