Holy Week facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Week |
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The entry of Jesus and His disciples into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the last week of Lent.
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| Type | Christian |
| Observances | Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday |
| Date | Last week of Lent |
| 2024 date |
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| 2025 date |
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| 2026 date |
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| 2027 date |
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| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Eastertide |
Holy Week is a very special time for Christians around the world. It's the week right before Easter, and it marks the end of Lent. This week remembers the most important events in the life of Jesus Christ before his resurrection.
Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday, which celebrates Jesus's joyful entry into Jerusalem. It then moves through the Last Supper and the sad events of Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified. The week ends with Holy Saturday, a day of quiet waiting. The celebration of Jesus's resurrection on Easter begins right after Holy Week.
Many people go to church during Holy Week. Different Christian cultures have their own traditions. These can include special church services, parades with floats, and sculptures that show scenes from Jesus's life. Some TV stations also show movies about this important week.
Contents
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week is the final week of Lent, a time of prayer and fasting. It is a "moveable observance," meaning its date changes each year. This is because Easter's date changes, and Holy Week is always the week before it.
The week focuses on Jesus's last days. It starts with his arrival in Jerusalem. It ends with his rest in the tomb before his resurrection.
History of Holy Week
People have observed Holy Week for a very long time. The idea of having special services during this week started around the 3rd and 4th centuries. Early Christians would fast, especially on Friday and Saturday.
Around the 4th century, laws were made to stop public business during this time. This allowed people to focus on the religious observances. Good Friday was one of the first days to be specially marked. Then came Holy Saturday, which included a special evening service.
Today, many Christian churches, like Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Catholics, have similar services for Holy Week. The Moravian Church has very detailed services. They follow Jesus's story daily, leading up to their special Easter Morning service.
Important Days in Holy Week
Palm Sunday: Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. This day remembers when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Crowds cheered and waved palm branches to welcome him. This is why churches often give out palm branches.
During the service, people hold blessed branches. There is often a procession into the church. The service also includes a reading of the "Passion," which tells the story of Jesus's capture, suffering, and death. Many Christians take their blessed palms home. They hang them near crosses or keep them in their Bibles.
Holy Monday and Tuesday: Preparing for the Passion
The days between Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday are Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday. The Bible doesn't always agree on every event from these days. However, some traditions remember certain things Jesus did.
- On Holy Monday, Jesus cleansed the temple. He also answered questions about his authority.
- On Holy Tuesday, some remember Jesus predicting his own death.
Holy Wednesday: Judas's Betrayal
Holy Wednesday is sometimes called "Spy Wednesday." This is because it remembers when Judas Iscariot secretly agreed to betray Jesus. He was like a spy among Jesus's followers.
Some churches hold a special service called "Tenebrae" (meaning "shadows" or "darkness"). During this service, candles are slowly put out. Readings and songs are shared in the growing darkness.
Maundy Thursday: The Last Supper
Maundy Thursday (also called Holy Thursday) remembers the Last Supper. This was Jesus's final meal with his Twelve Apostles. During this meal, Jesus showed them how to celebrate Holy Communion. He also predicted his betrayal and death.
In many churches, the bells ring during a special song. Then, they become silent until Easter. This shows the sadness of the coming days. Some churches also have a "washing of the feet" ceremony. This copies Jesus washing his disciples' feet. After the service, altars are often stripped bare. Crosses might be removed or covered. This shows the emptiness and sorrow of Jesus's suffering.
Good Friday: Jesus's Sacrifice
Good Friday is a very serious day. It remembers the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. Many services are solemn and sad. People often walk the Stations of the Cross. This is a series of prayers and reflections on Jesus's journey to the cross.
For many Christians, Good Friday is a day of fasting. This means eating very little or no meat. In some countries, there are large parades with statues showing Jesus's suffering. Churches are often very plain, with altars bare or covered in black. This helps people focus on the sadness of the day.
Holy Saturday: Waiting in Silence
Holy Saturday is the day between Jesus's crucifixion and his resurrection. The Bible says Jesus was quickly buried in a tomb. This was because it was the Sabbath, a day of rest. Proper burial ceremonies would be finished on Sunday.
During the day, churches are often quiet. No regular Mass or services are held. This day is a time of waiting and prayer. It remembers Jesus resting in the tomb.
Easter Vigil: Light and New Life
The Easter Vigil is a very important service. It happens after sunset on Holy Saturday. Even though it's still Saturday on the calendar, it's considered the start of Easter. This service is one of the longest and most special of the year.
It begins in darkness. A new fire is lit, symbolizing hope and salvation. From this fire, the Paschal candle is lit. This large candle represents the Light of Christ. People light their own candles from the Paschal candle. As the light spreads, the church becomes brighter. This shows how Christ's light defeats darkness.
The service includes readings from the Bible. New members might be baptized or confirmed. Everyone renews their baptism promises. Finally, Holy Communion is celebrated. This is the first Mass of Easter Day, full of joy and new life.
Easter Day: Jesus is Risen!
Easter Day is the biggest celebration in the Christian year. It follows Holy Week and begins with the Easter Vigil. On this day, Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. This is why every Sunday is a special day for Christians. Easter Day starts a new season called Eastertide, which lasts for 50 days.
Holy Week Around the World
Holy Week is celebrated in many different ways across the globe.
Traditions in Western Christianity
In Western churches, Holy Week services are very similar. They focus on the story of Jesus's last week. Many people attend special services and observe traditions like fasting.
Traditions in Eastern Christianity
In Eastern Orthodox churches, Holy Week is called "Great and Holy Week." It's a time of very strict fasting. The services are long and beautiful. They tell the story of Jesus as the "Bridegroom" of the Church.
On Great and Holy Thursday, a special service remembers the Last Supper. In some churches, bishops wash the feet of others. On Great and Holy Friday, a large cross with an icon of Christ is brought out. Later, a cloth icon called the Epitaphios is placed in a decorated "Tomb." This represents Jesus being prepared for burial.
On Great and Holy Saturday, there's a procession with the Epitaphios around the church. The mood then changes from sadness to joy. The church lights are turned on, and the colors change to white. This prepares for the Easter celebration. The Easter Vigil on Saturday night is a very important service. It ends with a joyful feast.
Celebrations in Different Countries
Many cities are famous for their Holy Week processions.
| Country | City |
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| Colombia | Santa Cruz de Mompox, Popayán, Tunja, Pamplona |
| Costa Rica | San José, Heredia, San Rafael de Oreamuno |
| India | Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata |
| Guatemala | Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala City |
| Honduras | Comayagua, Tegucigalpa |
| El Salvador | Sonsonate |
| Indonesia | Larantuka |
| Mexico | Iztapalapa |
| Nicaragua | Managua, Granada, León |
| Philippines | Angono, Rizal, Antipolo, Baguio, Baliuag, Bulacan, Bantayan Island, Cebu City, Capas, Tarlac, Guagua, Pampanga, Iloilo City, Legazpi, Oas, Albay, Makati, Manila, Manaoag, Pangasinan, Meycauayan, Morong, Rizal, Naga, Camarines Sur, Paete, Laguna, Parañaque, San Pablo, Laguna, Santa Rita, Pampanga, Sasmuan, Pampanga, Vigan, Taguig, Las Piñas, Olongapo City, Zambales |
| Peru | Ayacucho, Cusco, Huaraz, Tarma |
| Spain | León, Seville, Valladolid, Zamora, Jerez de la Frontera, Palencia, Málaga, Cartagena, Cádiz, Murcia, Alicante, Ferrol, Ávila |
| Venezuela | Tacarigua de Mamporal, Guatire, Caracas, Villa de Cura |
| Vietnam | Tuần Thánh |
Brazil
In Brazil, especially in the town of Campanha, Holy Week is a big community event. It starts with a procession on Monday evening. A statue of Jesus carrying the cross is displayed. On Tuesday and Wednesday, processions stop at chapels. Each chapel has paintings showing parts of Jesus's journey. Good Friday has a main event where Christ is taken down from the cross. On Saturday night, streets are decorated with colorful carpets for Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday begins before sunrise with singing and fireworks.
Guatemala
Holy Week in Guatemala is known for its grand processions. People carry huge wooden platforms with images of saints. These platforms are very heavy. The streets are decorated with beautiful, detailed carpets made of sawdust. These carpets are called alfombras. Easter processions start at sunrise, and many people join in the celebrations.
Honduras
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In Honduras, especially in Comayagua, Holy Week traditions date back to the 16th century. People create famous alfombras de aserrín. These are colored carpets made of wood dust. They show scenes from the life and death of Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary. Processions with saint images on large wooden platforms are also common.
Italy
Holy Week is also celebrated in Southern Italy, especially in Sicily. The most famous is in Trapani. It features the Misteri di Trapani. This is a day-long procession with twenty floats. Each float has sculptures showing scenes from Jesus's Passion. These events have been happening every Good Friday since before 1612. They are the longest religious festival in Sicily.
Malta
In Malta and Gozo, Holy Week celebrations are very important. On Good Friday, solemn services take place in churches. Processions are held in many villages. During these, the story of Jesus's Passion is read. People carry crosses and statues.
Mexico and United States: Yaqui Indians
The Yaqui Indians, in Mexico and the US, have unique Holy Week events. On Wednesday evening, people crawl and dance in the church. In Tucson, dancers wear dark coats and masks.
On Thursday morning, children in white robes join a procession. They promise to serve God. On Friday, a church member acts as Jesus. They are symbolically beaten and "buried." On Saturday, an image of Judas Iscariot is destroyed. This is meant to get rid of evil. Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus's resurrection with flowers and fireworks. A dance drama shows good defeating evil.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are national holidays. Many people go back to their hometowns for Holy Week.
The week includes street processions with floats carrying religious icons. There are also Stations of the Cross and a play called the Senákulo. Some people even self-flagellate or get nailed to crosses as a form of penance. After 3 PM on Good Friday, noise is discouraged. Many TV and radio stations close or show religious programs.
On Palm Sunday, Catholics carry palm leaves to be blessed. Many believe these blessed palms can ward off evil spirits. Holy Monday starts the Pabasa. This is a marathon chanting of the Pasyón, a poem about Jesus's life and death. It can last for two days straight.
A key tradition is the Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday. People visit seven churches to pray the Stations of the Cross. The last Mass before Easter is also on Maundy Thursday. It often includes a reenactment of the Washing of the Feet.
Easter Day is full of joy. It starts with the Salubong rite at dawn. Statues of Jesus and Mary are brought together in a procession. This imagines their first meeting after Jesus's resurrection. Then, the joyful Easter Mass is held.
Spain
Many cities in Spain, like Seville and Valladolid, have elaborate Holy Week processions. This tradition started in medieval times. They feature pasos or tronos. These are lifelike sculptures showing scenes from Jesus's arrest to his burial. Or they show the Virgin Mary grieving.
These heavy sculptures are carried through the streets by "costaleros" or "braceros." They can weigh up to five tons! In front of them walk "penitentes." They wear long robes and pointed hats to hide their faces. These "Nazarenos" or "Papones" carry candles. Some walk barefoot or carry chains as penance. Bands play funeral marches or hymns.
See also
In Spanish: Semana Santa para niños
