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(NewsNation) — This week, Christians all over America and the world will commemorate Holy Week. It’s the most sacred time on the Christian calendar, leading up to Easter. Believers mark it through prayer, fasting and reflection on Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death.
Palm Sunday
The week begins with Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly to celebrate Passover, according to the four Gospels. The crowds welcomed him with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna,” a cry for help and salvation in Hebrew. They believed he was the Messiah and would fulfill the Old Testament prophecies.
Christians celebrate Palm Sunday in different ways around the world, depending on denomination and local cultures and traditions. Many participate in outdoor processions with palm branches that are blessed and read the Passion, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and death on a cross.
Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday, Christians commemorate the Last Supper when Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his 12 disciples before he was arrested by Roman soldiers, according to the New Testament. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet to show them how to love and serve each other. Many Christian denominations reenact the washing of the feet during their services on this day.
For Catholics, Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum, the three days that trace the final days of Jesus, including his arrest and condemnation to death by Pontius Pilate, his carrying of the cross, his crucifixion and death, and his resurrection from the dead.
Good Friday
Christians believe Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross and died on Good Friday. It is a solemn day marked by prayer, fasting and reflection. In many parts of the world, public processions are held, and the faithful reflect on scenes from Christ’s passion. In some traditions, Christians venerate a wooden cross in remembrance of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
Holy Saturday
On Holy Saturday, according to scripture, Jesus’ body was resting in the tomb after his death and burial. It is a day of silence and waiting as the faithful prepare for Christ’s resurrection.
Easter Sunday
Easter is the most joyous day on the Christian calendar, when Christians believe Christ rose from the dead after being crucified on the cross. According to all four Gospels, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other women who followed Jesus went to his tomb at dawn and found the stone rolled away. Then, according to Matthew’s account, an angel told them, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
Easter is celebrated in different ways, with sunrise services or late-night vigils and decorating Easter eggs, which symbolize the tomb and new life. The tradition of the Easter Bunny is rooted in German folklore and was brought to the United States by German immigrants. As the tradition evolved, the Easter Bunny brought candy and colored eggs to children.