What to Know About the Origins and Meanings of the Major Holy Week Rituals

For many Christians, the annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ — a key moment in the religion's calendar — begins long before Easter Sunday.


Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday, comprises the seven days before Easter Sunday. During that time, Christians, in special ceremonies and through distinct rituals, commemorate the words and actions of Jesus’ final week before his crucifixion.

For many Christians, the annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ — a key moment in the religion's calendar — begins long before Easter Sunday. Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday, comprises the seven days before Easter Sunday. During that time, Christians, in special ceremonies and through distinct rituals, commemorate the words and actions of Jesus’ final week before his crucifixion.