Pomp and circumstance

Posted by Smokey Stover January 23, 2005In reply to Pomp and circumstance posted by Fred on January 22, 2005

What is the origin of 'pomp and circumstance?'

I know there is a L a**n word "pompa" that means procession or display.

Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump,
The spirit stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife,
The royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war.
(Shakespeare's Othello, Act 3)

I suppose it would be supererogatory to mention Edward Elgar's famous march of that title, which is played at a huge number of high school commencements in the U.S., as well as at various functions in the U.K. SS

See: the meaning and origin of the phrase 'pomp and circumstance'.