Palm Sunday starts the Christian observance of Holy Week and Easter, one of the most important observances for that religion.
Christianity is one of the world’s largest religions, with approximately two billion followers around the world.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion, where palm leaves and clothing were laid in his path.
Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, is the last Sunday of Lent and first day of Holy Week. It is often celebrated with a procession and distribution of palm leaves.
In some churches, the palms are saved and burned into ashes to be used on Ash Wednesday of the next year.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper, before Jesus’ crucifixion. Some churches hold a special communion service.
Good Friday
For Christians, it is a day of mourning and penance. Good Friday marks the day Jesus died on the cross. Many observe the day by fasting and attending church services.
Celebrated since 100 AD as a day of fasting, Good Friday acquired significance as a Christian holy day in the late fourth century.
April 20 – Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. It also marks the end of the 40-day period of penance called Lent.
It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the first day of spring.
In some countries, Easter is called Pascha, which comes from the Hebrew word for Passover.
The Jewish holiday of Passover took place just before Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
The Eastern Orthodox Church uses other factors to determine the date and will celebrate the holiday this year on May 5.
CLICK HERE to read story
source: 19ActionNews.com
