Eli Tzion is the most well known dirge recited on Tisha B'Av. It compares Zion to a woman about to give birth – the birth is understood to relate to our eventual redemption. Eli Tzion is typically recited whilst standing, at the end of the morning Kinot. This elegy is of unknown authorship, but the melody is at least as old as 1743 and is ubiquitous thereafter. There does not appear to be an authoritative version; there are minor variations between different composers' arrangements – several have introduced a second part to the theme, presumably to reduce the monotony of the many stanzas. This version here is based on the tune traditionally used in England, and at KAYJ. Intriguingly, Eli Tzion is not an especially melancholic tune. Idelsohn identified the same melody in a German Catholic hymn, a Spanish folksong, and a Czechoslovakian folksong. His conclusion was that "it originated in Spain, whence it was in all likelihood carried to Central and Eastern Europe by pilgrims; and was picked up by Jewish singers likewise". There is a custom to use the melody for L'cha Dodi on the Shabbat preceding Tisha B'Av (Chazon). However, many commentators have challenged this practice, since public mourning is generally forbidden on Shabbat. The Meiri defended it, stating that the purpose of this melody is to lead us towards repentance. Today there are varying customs: to use the melody of Eli Tzion for only the final verse of L'cha Dodi; for every verse except the last one; for all verses; or none at all. Some congregations make a concerted effort to complete Kabbalat Shabbat before sunset.