Holy Week: From Palm Sunday to Easter Monday

This week, starting with Palm Sunday and culminating in Easter Monday, encapsulates significant moments in the last week of Jesus Christ's life on Earth.

It's a time of reflection, celebration, and profound symbolism.

Name and theme given to the Holy Week, Jesus' last week on Earth

The Holy Week is also a journey through the most pivotal moments of Christian faith. It's a time to reflect, to mourn, and ultimately, to celebrate the promise of hope, renewal, and life everlasting.

Whether you're deeply devout or simply curious about the traditions, there's a rich tapestry of history and meaning woven into each day, inviting everyone to find a moment of reflection and connection.

READ: History behind why Easter is celebrated on different dates every year

Let's take a stroll through this week, uncovering the essence and traditions of each day and their connection to Jesus's journey.

Day 1: Palm Sunday commemorates the Triumphant Entry

Kicking off the Holy Week, Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Pope Francis celebrated Palm Sunday mass behind closed doors at St Peter's on Sunday POOL

Picture this: crowds laying down palm branches before Jesus as he rides into the city on a donkey, symbolising peace. This act fulfills the prophecy of a king who would come in humility and peace, not war and oppression.

In many churches, congregations distribute palm fronds, which are later saved and burned to create ashes for the next year's Ash Wednesday. It's a day of joyous welcome, setting the stage for the events that follow.

Day 2: Holy Monday and the Clearing of the Temple

After his grand entrance, Jesus didn't head for a rest; instead, he went to the heart of worship in Jerusalem—the Temple.

Here, he found merchants and money changers, turning a place of prayer into a marketplace. In a rare display of righteous anger, Jesus clears the Temple.

This moment, remembered on Holy Monday, highlights his disdain for hypocrisy and corruption, reminding us of the importance of purity and sincerity in places of worship.

Day 3: Holy Tuesday and the teachings & parables of Jesus

Holy Tuesday reflects on Jesus's day spent teaching in Jerusalem, delivering some of his most significant parables and teachings, including the Olivet Discourse.

These teachings, full of wisdom and challenges, were aimed at preparing his followers for the days ahead and for the establishment of a kingdom not of this world.

It's a day for Christians to delve deep into Jesus's words, seeking guidance and insight.

A statue of Jesus I noticed depictions of Jesus and stained-glass windows at the hotel. I thought that even the exterior of the building still looks like a church. Business Insider USA

Day 4: Spy Wednesday marks the betrayal of Jesus

The mood shifts significantly by Spy Wednesday. This day is marked by the dark act of Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 disciples, agreeing to betray Jesus to the religious authorities for 30 silver coins.

The term "spy" refers to this act of betrayal from within. It's a somber reminder of treachery and the pain of being betrayed by those close to us.

Day 5: Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper

Maundy Thursday is rich with profound events and traditions.

The Last Supper Pulse Nigeria

READ: 5 ways Kenyans celebrate Easter

It commemorates the Last Supper, Jesus's final meal with his disciples, where he established the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and demonstrated servitude by washing his disciples' feet.

This day underscores love, service, and sacrifice—core principles of the Christian faith. Many churches reenact the washing of feet and hold Communion services to remember this night.

Day 6: Good Friday commemorates Jesus' crucifixion

Good Friday brings us to the most somber moment of the week: the crucifixion of Jesus. This day commemorates his arrest, trial, and death on a cross at Calvary.

Actor James Burke-Dunsmore carries the crucifix whilst playing Jesus during The Wintershall's 'The Passion of Jesus' in front of crowds on Good Friday.Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images Business Insider USA

It's a day of mourning, reflection, and fasting for many, as they contemplate the weight of Jesus's sacrifice for humanity's sins.

Services are often somber, with readings from the Passion of Christ and moments of silence.

Day 7: The vigil that marks Holy Saturday

This day captures the silence and mourning after Jesus's death. It represents the disciples' despair and confusion, as well as Jesus's body lying in the tomb.

Holy Saturday ends with the Easter Vigil after sundown, marking the beginning of Easter. It's a time of watchfulness and waiting, symbolising the transition from death to life.

Day 8: Easter Sunday is remembered as Jesus' resurrection day

Easter Sunday is the climax of Holy Week, celebrating Jesus's resurrection from the dead—defeating death and offering eternal life to those who believe.

Ferrell had a double role as Jesus and a popular high school student named Sky in 1999's "Superstar," also based on an "SNL" sketch. Rotten Tomatoes score: 32%"Superstar" is based on the popular "SNL" sketch starring Molly Shannon as Mary Katherine Gallagher, an unpopular if delusionally over-confident student at Catholic school. In the film, Ferrell plays the object of Mary Katherine's affection, Sky, and also appears to Mary Katherine in a vision as Jesus."I'm not in favor of protesting films on the basis of theology, but to picket them because they're boring could be an act of mercy," wrote Roger Ebert. Business Insider USA

It's a day of joy, hope, and renewal, filled with services that often start at sunrise to signify the new light of resurrection. Churches are filled with music, flowers, and the triumphant declaration, "He is risen!"

Day 9: Easter Monday is a day of continuation

While not directly linked to Jesus's biblical journey, Easter Monday serves as a day of reflection on the resurrection's impact and the continuation of the celebration of new life.

In many cultures, it's a day for community events and gatherings, extending the joy and fellowship of Easter Sunday.

This content was generated by an AI model and verified by the author.