A symbolic number signifying Regeneration, Holy Baptism, the eight souls saved in the ark, the eight Beatitudes, completion, the time of circumcision, the eight sons of Jesse, etc. Eight Canonical Hours. In Mediaeval days, eight daily services were held, each one symbolizing an event in the Passion of our Lord. Matins : our Lord before Caiaphas. Lauds: our Lord condemned by Caiaphas. Prime: His appearance before Pilate. Tierce: the scourging and crowningwith thorns. Sext : our Lord on the cross, and the seven last words. Nones: death of the Saviour. Vespers : His deposition and entombment. Compline: The watch set at the tomb. (Taylor, 2003)
