The season of Lent and Easter

Spring is eagerly anticipated, as many people look forward to enjoying the great outdoors once more. Spring is also a special time of year for practicing Christians. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays until the arrival of Easter Sunday, the Lenten season is a very important time of year for Christians. During Lent, Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, self-denial, and spiritual discipline. While the Bible does not reference Lent, the practice of observing Lent has become a standard.

The following focuses on each of the special days of this church season as they pertain to Western Christianity (Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent somewhat differently).

Ash Wednesday: The Day of Ashes commemorates the repentance of sin. On Ash Wednesday, Christians have ashes placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross in recognition of their need to repent. Many churches host Ash Wednesday services, and those who receive the ashes are not only reminded of their mortality and sinfulness, but also of the opportunity for absolution. Christians typically fast on Ash Wednesday, though some simply abstain from eating meat.

Palm Sunday: On what is now called “Palm Sunday,” Jesus Christ rode a donkey into Jerusalem while villagers welcomed him and waved palm branches. This is mentioned in each of the Biblical Gospels and occurs a week before His subsequent resurrection. Jesus possibly rode a donkey rather than a horse as a sign of peace, as a war-waging king might ride a horse. The “Passion of the Christ” is typically read during Palm Sunday masses.

Holy Thursday: is sometimes referred to as “Covenant Thursday,” “Maundy Thursday” or “Thursday of Mysteries.” Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles. According to Catholic News Agency, Holy Thursday might be one of the most important, complex and profound days of celebration in the Catholic Church. Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Jesus Christ and the institution of the sacrament of the priesthood.

Good Friday: commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jesus was condemned by his peers as King Herod and Pontius Pilate had found him not guilty of his crimes. But crowds were enraged, and Pilate reluctantly ordered his crucifixion rather than face a mass riot.

Holy Saturday marks the final day of the Triduum, or the three days preceding Easter Sunday. Scripture states that Holy Saturday was when Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb.

Easter Sunday: A festive and celebratory day for Christians, Easter Sunday is a time for sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. His body is discovered missing from the tomb, and Jesus appears to his followers again showing proof that He is alive. Typically, Easter Sunday is one of the most well-attended Sunday services for Christians. It also is a day to spend with family, and many families share large meals to mark the end of the Lenten season. 

Exploring the history of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is best known as a raucous event that takes place in New Orleans, LA and other areas around the world in January and February. Fat Tuesday, the final day of Mardi Gras, can occur in March depending on the calendar year and how it corresponds to the Christian liturgical calendar. While Mardi Gras may be legendary for scantily clad costumes, delicious food, overflowing spirits, and many acts of debauchery, many people -- particularly non-Christians -- may not know what the celebration is truly all about.

Roots of this holiday actually lie in the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras is supposed to serve as the last day in a period of merrymaking that historically takes place during the Carnival season. For many Christians, that Carnival period starts with the Epiphany, or when it was revealed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, which occurs a few days after Christmas. The tradition of the King's Cake, or a cake baked with a coin, bead or plastic baby doll inside, that is common during Mardi Gras, has its origins in Epiphany celebrations. The "King' symbolizes the Christ child. Fun and good cheer continue during the next month, and the merrymaking eventually reaches its pinnacle on Mardi Gras. The actual name "Fat Tuesday" comes from the tradition of slaughtering and feasting upon a fattened calf on the last day of Carnival. To the very religious, Mardi Gras is also called "Shrove Tuesday," from "to shrive" or hear religious confessions before Lent.

Many may wonder why good times must end on Mardi Gras and not continue thereafter. That's because Christian Mardi Gras is the final day before Lent begins. Lent is a period of 40 weekdays that, in the Christian Church, is devoted to fasting, abstinence and penitence. The traditional purpose of Lent is to prepare believers for the annual commemoration of how Jesus gave up his life for his followers, and the miracle that was His Resurrection, and his eventual ascension into heaven. Participating in the Lenten season is a practice that is common to the many sects of Christianity, including Catholics, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Lutherans, and Methodists. It has also slowly gained favor with other denominations that have historically not participated in Lent.

The Meaning of Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that is celebrated every year on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, the location outside of Jerusalem’s walls where the crucifixion took place.

Though Good Friday is considered a holiday and is a legal holiday in many countries across the globe, the commemoration is not characterized by the festive atmosphere many holidays inspire. In fact, in the fourth century, the Apostolic Constitutions described Good Friday as a day of mourning and prayer. In addition, many Christians fast on Good Friday, eating only one full meal and two smaller meals that do not add up to a full meal.

Christians believe that commemorating the death of Christ helps to remind them of the sacrifices that Christ made and the human sin that contributed to his death.

The observance of Good Friday has existed for centuries. According to Catholic Online, the Catholic Church does not celebrate Mass on Good Friday, though church services held on Good Friday correspond to the divisions of a traditional Mass. These services include the Liturgy of the Word, during which the Passion of Jesus Christ is read; the intercessory prayers for all people, including non-Christians; the Veneration of the Cross, during which the crucifix is unveiled to the congregation; and the Holy Communion. During these services, the church organ and bells are silent.

Good Friday is one of the holiest days of the year for Christians across the globe. This year Good Friday is celebrated on March the 25! Today!