Descended to the Dead

This morning (Ash Wednesday) I am struck by the difference in the language in the Apostles' Creed between Rite I and Rite II. (This is not the first time it has occured to me, FYI, it's just what jumped out at me this morning.) Rite II (which is posted on this site) has "he descended to the dead," whereas Rite I has "he descended into hell" (BCP p. 53). (Then there's the Nicene Creed, which doesn't have him descending anywhere.)

I think a lot of us have the tendency to gloss over death. During my Ash Wednesday meditations, I plan to mull over that. I hope the chapel will use the stronger form this morning...although it's a Eucharist, so I suppose we will get the Nicene.