Holy Saturday
The Holy Saturday, or Black Saturday, commemorates that Jesus Christ remained dead in the grave before his eventual resurrection in Easter Sunday. The Holy Saturday is part of the Holy Week, the last week of Lent, and the day after Jesus was crucified on the cross.
History of Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday commemorates the part where Jesus’ body remained dead in the tomb. It is referred to as Sabbath, the second day of the death of Jesus’ mortal body. Luke 23:56 reads,
And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
King James Bible
In popular Catholic symbol, Apostle’s Creed, it says, “He descended unto dead.” This event highlights Christ’s battle against the death until he was resurrected on Easter.
The Holy Saturday is the most solemn part of the Holy Week because the faithful believe that Christ is dead during this time as the price he paid for saving humankind. Celebration usually happens at night at the performance of the Easter Vigil or The Great Service of Light.
Holy Saturday: Traditions, Customs and Activities
During the Holy Saturday, no mass is celebrated. However, in emergency cases such as in the case of a dying person, an ordained priest may conduct a special mass.
Candles in church altars or tabernacle are usually put out to signify the death of Christ. In traditional liturgical calendar, Holy Saturday ends in sunset of Saturday after which the Easter Sunday celebration starts.
Churches conduct Easter Vigil on sundown of the Holy Saturday. During this time the Paschal candle is lit and special prayer is read. Remember that the candle is the symbol of Christ and it is put out during this day.
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