When did the two canonical hours, Lauds and Matins, separate from each other?

When we think of the daily prayers in the Christian tradition, we often think of the two canonical hours, Lauds and Matins. These prayers have been a cornerstone of religious practice for centuries, and they continue to be an important part of many Christian communities today. But when did these two prayers first separate from each other?

The answer to that question is complex and multifaceted. In general, scholars believe that the two canonical hours began to separate from each other around the fifth century CE. At that time, the early Christian Church was still in the process of codifying its liturgy and practices, and the exact structure of the daily prayers was still somewhat fluid.

Over time, however, the structure of the two canonical hours began to take shape. Lauds, which is sometimes called "Morning Prayer," became associated with the beginning of the day, while Matins, or "Night Prayer," became associated with the end of the day.

Despite this separation, however, the two canonical hours remained closely linked. In many religious communities, they were still prayed together as a single liturgy, with Lauds followed immediately by Matins. In other communities, the two prayers were separated by a period of silence or other devotions.

Today, the separation between Lauds and Matins remains an important part of Christian liturgy. Many religious communities still pray these two canonical hours as part of their daily devotions, and they continue to be an important way for Christians to connect with their faith and with each other.