Holy Week Facts

Know some facts about Holy Week. Read them all below.

Holy Week

Holy Week is the Christian name for the last week of Lent, ending the day before Easter. During this week, the last events of Christ's life are commemorated. During Holy Week, several days are observed in particular. These include Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Holy Week is celebrated all over the world, in Catholic, Orthodox and many Protestant churches.

Spy Wednesday

Spy Wednesday is an unofficial and somewhat antiquated name sometimes used for the Wednesday of Holy Week. This is in reference to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

Maundy Thursday

The Thursday of Holy Week, called Maundy Thursday, is used to commemorate Jesus's last meal with his disciples. During this meal, he distributed bread and wine to his followers, describing them as his body and blood (this important event in Christianity formed the basis for the Eucharist). In addition, it was revealed at this supper that Judas would betray Jesus.

Good Friday

Good Friday commemorates the day when Jesus was crucified, after being betrayed to the Romans by Judas Iscariot. Good Friday services are very solemn, and all of Friday is considered to be a fast day in many traditions. While "good" seems like an odd description for this day, the crucifixion of Jesus had to proceed his resurrection, the basis of the Christian faith.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is a relatively uneventful day in Holy Week, but it is notable for being the last day before Easter. It is considered to be another day for prayer and reflection. Many churches hold Easter vigils--dramatic services beginning late at night on Holy Saturday and finishing festively after midnight, once Easter has officially arrived.

Palm Sunday

The first day of Holy Week is Palm Sunday, which takes place exactly one week before Easter. Palm Sunday is a celebration of Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, before the events leading up to his crucifixion. Palm leaves are often distributed to church-goers.

source: eHow.com

photo credit: iloilomass.wordpress.com