Did you know why Holy Week is a big deal in the Philippines?
In countries where Christians form the majority, celebrating Holy Week becomes part of tradition and culture. The Philippines, the top Christian country in Asia and the fifth worldwide, follows this pattern. This explains why the latter days of Holy Week are declared legal holidays.
But what exactly is Holy Week? When did it begin, and where did it originate?
As you celebrate Holy Week this year, take this time to explore its origins and significance.
What Is the Meaning of Holy Week?
Holy Week, known as Mahal na Araw in Tagalog, is referred to in Spanish as Semana Santa.
It is an eight-day observance of Jesus’ experiences before and after His crucifixion. During this week, He was welcomed with praises, betrayed by a friend, humiliated by the same people who honored Him, and ultimately crucified as a criminal despite His innocence.
Holy Week serves as a time to remember the passion and death of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for humanity.
It is called “Holy Week” because several prophecies were fulfilled during this period. Some even refer to it as the “Great Week.” According to Britannica.com, “In the Greek and Roman liturgical books, it is called the Great Week because great deeds were done by God during this week.”
What Is the Backstory of Holy Week?
The celebration of Holy Week traces back to a diary. Yes, you read that right—a travel diary, to be specific. The author? A Spanish nun named Egeria from the 4th century.
Egeria loved traveling. Driven by curiosity and a quest for answers, she documented her experiences through journals. Since social media didn’t exist back then, she sent letters and postcards to keep her loved ones updated on her journeys.
A 19th-century scholar discovered a 22-page fragment of her travel narrative. According to Slate.com, Egeria wrote detailed descriptions of Palm Sunday celebrations in Jerusalem at the end of the fourth century. She expressed awe at worshiping at the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and shared her experiences with her community in Spain.
Her writings became the foundation for many Holy Week traditions. So, let’s all say, “Thank you, Egeria!”
What Are the Names and Meanings of Holy Weekdays?
How many days of Holy Week can you name?
Many are unaware that Holy Week spans eight days. Let’s go through them and their significance:
Day 1: Palm Sunday
This marks Jesus’ final Sunday before His crucifixion. He entered Jerusalem on a donkey, greeted by people who laid their cloaks on the road and waved palm branches to welcome Him. (Read: Matthew 21:1-11)
Day 2: Holy Monday
Jesus cleansed the temple by driving out merchants and overturning money changers’ tables. He declared, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” (Read: Matthew 21:12-13)
Day 3: Holy Tuesday
Two major events occurred: Jesus cursed the barren fig tree and faced questioning about His authority. (Read: Matthew 21:18-27)
Day 4: Holy Wednesday
Also called Spy Wednesday, this day marks Judas Iscariot’s agreement to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. (Read: Matthew 26:14-16)
Day 5: Maundy Thursday
Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples, washed their feet, and introduced a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” The term Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “command.” (Read: John 13:34)
Day 6: Good Friday
This was the day of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion. He endured false accusations, beatings, and mockery before being sentenced to death on the cross. Despite the suffering, it is called Good Friday because it led to Jesus’ resurrection and victory over sin and death. (Read: Matthew 27:32-56)
Day 7: Holy Saturday
Jesus’ body lay in the tomb while the women of Galilee prepared burial spices and observed the Sabbath. (Read: Luke 23:55-56)
Day 8: Easter Sunday
On Resurrection Sunday or Easter, Jesus rose from the dead, marking the greatest triumph in history and the foundation of the Christian faith.
(Read: Matthew 28:5-6)
For followers of Jesus, Holy Week is not just a retelling of past events—it is an invitation to deepen your faith and experience God’s love personally. It is a time to reflect on sacrifice, forgiveness, and the promise of a new life.
Each year, Christians around the world participate in church services, reenactments, and personal devotions, making Holy Week a living tradition that continues to inspire and transform lives.
As Holy Week approaches, may its history remind us all of the profound love and redemption offered through Jesus Christ, a story that remains as powerful today as it was over 2,000 years ago.
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