Holy Week marks the last seven days of Lent, directly leading to Easter Sunday. During this time, Christians remember and reflect on Jesus' suffering and death. Churches observe Holy Week through various worship services and traditions. Some focus on specifically recreating the historical events of Jesus' final days, while others use this time to explore the broader themes of his ministry. The observances vary widely in formality and structure and often include daily services in churches as well as informal gatherings in homes.
The Significance of Holy Week:
Walking through the darkness of Holy Week allows Christians to more fully understand the transformative power of Easter morning. Without understanding Jesus' suffering, we cannot fully appreciate his resurrection. This week of observance provides a powerful parallel to personal faith journeys, how joy can emerge from pain, just as resurrection follows crucifixion. Through liturgy and tradition, people are reminded of God's redemptive work for his children.
Key Observances Through the Week:
Palm Sunday kicks off Holy Week, which celebrates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem where crowds welcomed him with palm branches. Many churches will mark this occasion with processionals, the waving of palm leaves, and special services.
Maundy Thursday turns attention to remembering Jesus' last meal with his disciples. This day derives its name from the Latin word "mandatum,"meaning commandment ,referencing Jesus' instruction in John 13:35 to "love one another." Services may include foot washing ceremonies, communion, and sometimes Christian Seder meals honoring the connection to Passover.
Good Friday observances focus on Jesus' crucifixion and death. Churches will hold an reflective and intimate service that may include readings of the "Seven Last Words of Christ," Stations of the Cross, or Tenebrae services where candles are gradually extinguished to symbolize growing darkness. Many traditions avoid celebration of communion on this day, reflecting its sorrowful nature.
Holy Saturday concludes the week with a time of quiet contemplation before Easter Sunday's celebration of resurrection.
Easter Sunday marks the triumphant conclusion of Holy Week with the celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Churches transition from the darkness of Holy Saturday to vibrant displays of light, white adornments, and floral decorations symbolizing new life.
Why These Traditions Matter:
These observances have endured for centuries because they address fundamental human experiences of suffering, loss, and hope. Throughout Holy Week, Christians are invited to move beyond the triumphant bookends of Palm Sunday and Easter to engage with the deeper themes of sacrifice, service, and transformation central to their faith. Holy Week invites us to pause and reflect on the full journey — darkness before light, sacrifice before victory, death before resurrection. As congregations worldwide prepare for these sacred days, they join a tradition that connects them to billions of Christians across time and space who have walked this path of remembrance, moving from the shadows of Good Friday through the stillness of Holy Saturday to the brilliant light of Easter morning.