Holy Week

noun

1. the week preceding Easter Sunday.

Holy Week

noun

1. the week preceding Easter Sunday

Word History and Origins

Origin of Holy Week¹

1700–10; translation of Italian settimana santa

Example Sentences

A comparison of the four narratives clearly indicates the order of events upon the several days of the Holy Week.

From Project Gutenberg

But a free scope was allowed to their avarice, which was glutted, even in the holy week, by the pillage of Constantinople.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pope always goes there the last day of the Holy Week, and stays there all the summer.

From Project Gutenberg

The ceremonies of the Holy Week in Rome are a most solemn, and to most minds, affecting religious drama.

From Project Gutenberg

As it was, the air was thundery and ominous through all the solemn days of the Holy Week.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Holy Week

What is Holy Week?

Holy Week is the week before Easter, from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday.

Easter is the holiday on which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. Holy Week is based on the biblical account of the events that occurred in the week before what’s now called Easter Sunday, including Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), the Last Supper (Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday), and his crucifixion and death (Good Friday).

In Western Christianity, Holy Week is the last week of Lent, the season of fasting and penitence that precedes Easter.

In the Orthodox Church, Lent ends when Holy Week begins.

When is Holy Week?

The dates of Holy Week depend on the date of Easter, which moves every year.

In Western Christianity, the date when Holy Week starts (on Palm Sunday) can fall between March 15 and April 18, and the date on which it ends (on Holy Saturday) can fall between March 21 and April 24.

In 2024, Holy Week is from March 24 to March 30, with Easter Sunday on March 31. In 2025, Holy Week is from April 13 to April 19, with Easter Sunday on April 20.

In the Orthodox Church, the date of Easter is calculated in a different way.

In 2024, Orthodox Holy Week is from April 28 to May 4, with Easter Sunday on May 5. In 2025, Orthodox Holy Week is from April 13 to April 19, with Easter Sunday on April 20.

More information and context on Holy Week

The first records of the term Holy Week come from the early 1700s. It’s a direct translation of the Italian phrase settimana santa.

Holy Week can include a variety of church services, with different ones held on different days. The week often begins in a celebratory way on Palm Sunday (commemorating Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem) and turns to somber reflection as Good Friday approaches. Easter Sunday itself is a time of celebration and is considered the most important Christian holiday.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing Holy Week?

• Palm Sunday
• Holy Thursday
• Maundy Thursday
• Good Friday
• Holy Saturday
• Easter
• Lent

How is Holy Week discussed in real life?

For many Christians, Holy Week is associated with preparation for Easter and the church services and other traditions that occur during that week.

On #PalmSunday let’s keep Jesus’ message of peace and love in our hearts as we enter Holy Week. pic.twitter.com/Oc4gHOrzVo

— Development and Peace — Caritas Canada (@DevPeace) March 25, 2018

Lent is a time of renewal and preparation for celebrating Holy Week, culminating with Easter Sunday. Visit our website for resources to help you make the most out of Lent. https://t.co/4rWOKIyLmn

— Archdiocese of New York (@NY_Arch) March 14, 2021

Full details of Holy Week services are available on our website. Join us.#MaundyThursday #GoodFriday #Easter #HolyWeek https://t.co/5uB5ymidkx

— ExeterCathedral (@ExeterCathedral) April 18, 2019

 

Try using Holy Week!

True or False?

Holy Week starts on Easter.