Harrowing of Hell facts for kids
The Harrowing of Hell is a special story in Christianity. It tells how Jesus went down to Hell after he died on Good Friday. The story says he went there to help many souls escape and bring them to Heaven. This event is mentioned in the Bible in 1 Peter 3:18-22. It was a very popular story in the Middle Ages and was even part of early English plays. The Bible does not clearly say if Jesus truly went to Hell or not, but it's an important belief for many Christians.
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What is the Harrowing of Hell?
The idea of the Harrowing of Hell means that after Jesus died on the cross, his spirit went to the place where the dead waited. This place is sometimes called Limbo or Hades in Christian teachings. It was believed to be where good people who died before Jesus came, like Adam and Eve or Moses, were waiting. They couldn't go to Heaven yet because Jesus had not yet opened the way through his resurrection.
Why did Jesus go to Hell?
According to this belief, Jesus went to Hell to free these good souls. He broke down the gates of Hell and led these souls out, taking them with him to Heaven when he rose from the dead. This showed his power over death and evil. It also meant that even those who lived before him could receive salvation through his sacrifice.
Where is this story found?
The main hint about this event comes from the First Letter of Peter in the New Testament. It says that Jesus "preached to the spirits in prison." This verse has been understood by many Christians to mean he visited the dead. Over time, this idea grew into the full story of the Harrowing of Hell.
Importance of the Harrowing of Hell
This story is very important in Christian art and traditions. It shows Jesus as a powerful savior who can even conquer death and free those held captive. It also gives hope that no one is beyond God's reach.
In Christian Art and Stories
You can often see the Harrowing of Hell in old paintings, icons, and stained glass windows. These artworks usually show Jesus holding a cross or a banner, pulling people like Adam and Eve out of a dark cave or a broken prison. This story was also a big part of religious plays performed in churches during the Middle Ages.
Images for kids
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Before his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ grants salvation to souls by the Harrowing of Hell. Fresco, by Fra Angelico, c. 1430s
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Christ's Descent into Limbo by Andrea Mantegna and studio, c. 1470.
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Christ's Descent into Limbo, woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, c. 1510
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Russian icon of John the Baptist foretelling the descent of Christ to the righteous in Hades (17th century, Solovetsky Monastery).
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Harrowing of Hades, an icon by Dionisius, from the Ferapontov Monastery.
See also
In Spanish: Descenso de Cristo a los infiernos para niños
