As the days of late April approach, easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and yellow, sugar crystal-coated chicks lie littered throughout the cluttered shelves of retail stores worldwide. The days leading up to the commonly celebrated Christian holiday hold the same level of importance as Easter itself.
For thousands of years, Christians have gathered to commemorate the symbolism behind arguably the most important days of their religion. Although the Resurrection, acknowledged in today’s world as the holiday of Easter, served as the final event to free humans of worldly sin, the three days prior occurrences possess a substantial amount of weight when looking back on the foundation of Christianity.
What is Maundy Thursday?
Generally known as “Holy Thursday”, Maundy Thursday honors Jesus’ discussion of betrayal and reassurance of the future with the 12 disciples as they were preparing for Passover, “The Last Supper”. This holy meal is considered in millions of churches and households alike to be the most nourishing due to the memorialization of Christ’s last meal before His arrest. Maundy Thursday marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, excluding the Sabbath.
True Meaning of Maundy Thursday
Dating back to an estimated date of 30-33 AD, Jesus’ farewell meal was more than talking and dining. He demonstrated a final act of devotion before detainment, washing the disciples’ feet, urging them to show the same level of care to others (John 13:12-14). Continued in John 13, Christ orders the disciples to follow His example, even after the crucifixion. Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” which sounds similar to mandate, used in today’s world, which was Jesus’ commandment for his disciples to love one another as He had exemplified (John 13:34-35).
What is Good Friday?
Good Friday is recognized as the day of the Crucifixion of Jesus following His arrest, trial, and imprisonment. Proceeding six hours of pain, He marched to Golgotha, the hill commonly used to crucify criminals in extreme legal situations. Good Friday pays tribute to Christ’s sacrifice for Christians eternally.
Why is it called “Good” Friday?
The day’s name often comes as confusing to those unaware of the deeper meaning. The day of tragedy, though often remembered with beaming hearts, serves as a reminder that even through suffering, joy is soon arriving. Entangled in sermons and songs of worship, reassurance reverberates across walls and into hearts; Friday is good because Sunday is coming.
Traditions
Worldwide, hundreds of traditions in relation to the days preceding Easter make their annual appearance. From specialized services to symbolic meals, members of a variety of denominations display their gratitude through representative customs.
Communion serves as a way for Christians to pay tribute to Jesus’ last meal. Often, crackers and grape juice are used to simulate bread and wine, and pastors read scripture as instruction and explanation (Luke 22:19-20).
Candlelight services, frequently known as Tenebrae, imitate the darkness that the world fell into as Christ died. These ceremonies commonly take place during Good Friday services, however, some churches choose to hold another during Easter sermons, beginning with a minuscule number of candles lit, and spreading through allocating sparks until every candle is lit. The Sunday portion is a demonstration of the power of helping others as Christ commanded on Thursday.
Tables lined with foods that each hold significance stand for hours, acting as altars, rejoicing in praise for Christ’s sacrifice. Millions eat lamb, which was eaten at the Last Supper, and fish, symbolizing the flesh offered for humanity’s freedom. Hot cross buns and resurrection rolls, popular in youth ministries and households, provide an easy way for children to understand the events of Holy Week.