What is the Easter Sequence?

A sequence is a poetic chant or hymn in honor of a particular feast day.  It is placed prior to the Alleluia verse of the Gospel.

The Easter Sequence is believed to date back to the 11th century and was included in the Roman Missal issued by the Council of Trent in the 16th century.

Sequences that are sung in honor of particularly important holy days are not limited to Easter.  The current Roman Missal also includes a Sequence for Pentecost and Corpus Christi.