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Holy Week

Easter Sunday marks the culmination of Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday. Numerous biblical prophecies were realized throughout one single week. Jesus was sent to earth to save mankind, and in order to do that, he had to die on a crucifixion and then rise again on Easter.

He opened the entrances of heaven, making it possible for human misdeeds to be cleansed and bringing everyone into God's existence by experiencing and triumphing over death in a self-sacrificing manner for all of us (Romans 5:8).

 It is difficult to be "good enough" to enter God's presence and get forgiveness for the faults because of the sinful nature that humanity has developed as a consequence of Adam and Eve's fallen in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, to open the road for salvation, Jesus gave his life.

While the Old Testament Law provided numerous offerings to God, Jesus was the ideal final atoning sacrifice. In addition, Holy Week is a special time to learn about the roots of Christianity.

 

The meaning of Palm Sunday

Being the first day of Holy Week, Palm Sunday is significant to Christians. Jesus was greeted by a huge crowd when he came into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. His status as the king and savior of humanity was regarded by them.

On the other hand, the Crucifixion took place on Palm Sunday. Because of the crowd's celebration of Palm Sunday, the Romans were urged to execute Jesus on Good Friday, which is why it is noteworthy. Many Christians hold the opinion that although Jesus was aware he would die on the cross before the end of the week, the Lord nevertheless instructed him to travel to Jerusalem and offer himself as a sacrifice.

On Palm Sunday, Christians reflect on Jesus' suffering and death. A great gift such blessing and a parade of palm crosses are two ways that many Christians commemorate. The purpose of doing this is to commemorate the palm branches that, according to the Bible, were laid out directly in front of Jesus when he arrived Jerusalem.

 

What were the palm branches supposed to mean?

Symbolizing peace and eternal life, palm branches were laid out in front of Jesus. The palm tree has long been a symbol of immortality in several cultures.

On the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, a date palm frond is consumed. Meanwhile, a palm branch was handed to winners of races or other competitions in ancient Greece as a symbol of their success.

 

The commemoration of Holy Week

Easter week services are attended by many people as a way to commemorate Holy Week. For the week's commemoration, many customs exist in some Christian cultures. So, the following are some things that Christians do to commemorate Holy Week:

• Start by giving people palm-leaf crosses to commemorate the Crucifixion.
• In order to commemorate Holy Communion ceremony, which is a fact that Jesus gave his life to atone for wrongdoings by mankind, attendees of this church ceremony exchange bread and wine, or called the Eucharist.
• In order to memorialize Jesus washing his disciples' feet at the Last Supper, 12 persons participate in a ritual during the Roman Catholic Easter week services in which the priest washes their feet.
• Christians ponder the significance of the Crucifixion and key Christian teachings on Good Friday. Hymns, sermons, and prayers are all included in certain churches.
• It is generally accepted that Jesus' resurrection occurred on Easter Sunday. In addition to eating hot cross buns, as dawn is thought to be when Jesus rose from the dead, some people even wake up early for a sunrise worship.

The seven days of the Christian Holy Week

The seven days before Easter Sunday are referred to as "Holy Week" in the Christian religion. This week commemorates the final time that Jesus Christ visited Jerusalem.

According to Christian doctrine, every day of the week has a special meaning and corresponds to a particular moment in Jesus Christ's life.

Therefore, Holy Week consists of these seven days:

Palm Sunday. Christians commemorate Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he was met with palm branches thrown in the air and leaves scattered in his way.

Holy Monday. According to legend, Jesus Christ cleansed the temple while there and noticed that a fig tree wasn't producing any fruit.

Holy Tuesday. The Pharisees and Herodians plotted against Christ when he criticized the city's religious leaders, which they did in response.

Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday). According to legend, Judas Iscariot gathered with religious authorities and consented to betray Christ in exchange for 30 pieces of silver.

Maundy Thursday. Jesus' final supper took place on this day, which is often referred to as Holy Thursday.

Good Friday. The day that Jesus Christ was sacrificed is today frequently commemorated with church services, a yearly procession, and a homily from the Pope on Good Friday.

Holy Saturday (Black Saturday). This day is when Christ was laid to rest in a grave in the Jerusalem-area highlands.