This past week I was working on an assignment for my local newspaper and my curiosity was peeked. My assignment was to call the local churches and find out what their Easter plans were. I did not grow up in a traditional church and I have never been sure what Holy Week and Lent were all about. I never knew why people wore ashes on their forehead on Ash Wednesday and I often wondered why people brought home palms, on Palm Sunday. I decided that it was high time I learned about this stuff, so I’ve been doing a little research. For many of you, what I learned may be old news. But, for those like me who would like to learn more about Lent, Maundy Thursday and other significant days, you may enjoy this bit of information that I am about to share.
For many Christians, the Easter season begins months before the day actually arrives. It starts with Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Ashes reflect a time of mourning and repentance and the ashes are placed on the forehead to show that the individual is sincere.
Lent is a forty day period before Easter. (Sundays are skipped)This year it began on March 1st and will end on April 15th. It represents the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and praying. It is a season of looking inward and repenting of sins. Many people fast one day a week during Lent. Some people may give up TV or something that they enjoy during this time period, so that they may seek the Lord.
Holy week is the last week of Lent. The First day of Holy Week is Palm Sunday. This day symbolizes when Jesus rode into Jerusalem.
They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:7-9)
Maundy Thursday symbolizes the last meal that Jesus shared with His disciples. It was after this meal that Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
Good Friday is the day that we remember Jesus’ crucifixion.
Saturday is called Holy Saturday. It is the Jewish Sabbath. This was Jesus’ second day in the tomb.
Easter Sunday is the day that Jesus’ followers went to His tomb and discovered that His body was gone. An angel appeared and told them that He had risen. Later Jesus appeared to his followers. This was a joyous day!
As I strive to find a significant way to celebrate this season with my family, it helps me to understand why certain traditions are upheld. I hope that it helps some of you as well. For more information visit Kencollins.com
Next time I will talk about some of the plans I am making for my family’s Celebrate Jesus Day. (A.K.A. Easter) I’m looking for new and different traditions so if you have any ideas, please share them with me.