In March 2024, it turns out there will be three commemorations and one important moment where the commemoration is made a red date or national holiday by the government. These rules have been written in Joint Decree (SKB) 3 Number 855 of 2023, Number 3 of 2023, and Number 4 of 2023 concerning National Holidays and Joint Leave in 2024.
According to detikSumbagsel, the four important days in March 2024 relate to Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Hindus commemorate the Holy Day of Nyepi, Saka New Year 1946, then Muslims celebrate the fasting month of Ramadan. Meanwhile, Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of Jesus Christ or Easter.
Nyepi Day and Ramadan simultaneously fall on March 11 2024, while Jesus Christ's Death Day and Easter fall on March 28 and 31 2024. Especially for Christians, it turns out that these are not the only two days that are commemorated. There are several other days celebrated by Christians, known as Holy Week.
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week/Photo: Semarang Archdiocese
Based on the Britannica page, the term Holy Week became popular in the 4th century. A bishop from Alexandria named St. Athanasius and St. Epiphanius of Constantia popularized it.
Initially, only Good Friday and Holy Saturday were considered holy days and were commemorated during the Holy Week celebrations. However, at the beginning of the 3rd century, other days of the week were added to the celebration.
During Holy Week, Christians remember all the events of Jesus' death through crucifixion. In Holy Week there are five days that have special meaning, namely
1. Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday/Photo: Pinterest/Mariham Jesus
According to detikJatim, Palm Sunday is a symbol of Jesus' arrival to Jerusalem on a donkey to celebrate Easter. The celebration was lively with blessings and processions of palm leaves (date palm leaves or twigs from local trees)
2. Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday/Photo: Pinterest/Mangaloretoday
Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus taking the Last Supper of the Eucharist with his 12 disciples. This is the essence of the mass. In Roman Catholicism, Maundy Thursday is accompanied by the ritual washing of the feet of 12 people by a priest. This ritual imitates the action of Jesus who washed the feet of his twelve disciples at the Last Supper.
3. Good Friday
Good Friday/Photo: Truthsnitch.com
On Good Friday, Christians commemorate the story of Jesus' passion and death on the cross. Therefore, this day is seen as a time of mourning, fasting, and penance.
4. Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday/Photo: Maria Marganingsih Kalasan Parish
Holy Saturday, also known as the Easter Vigil, marks the end of Lent. In Roman Catholicism, Holy Saturday is interpreted as a symbol of a burning candle.
5. Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday/Photos: Our Story in God
The peak is Easter Sunday which is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is believed to have occurred on the third day after his crucifixion. This event is in accordance with the account in the Gospels. For Catholics, the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the culmination of the Holy Week series. Easter Sunday is also marked by rabbits and children's search for eggs.
In 2024, Holy Week will fall in March, although last year it fell in April. The following is the schedule for Holy Week 2024, namely:
Palm Sunday: 24 March 2024 Maundy Thursday: 28 March 2024 Good Friday: 29 March 2024 Holy Saturday: 30 March 2024 Easter Sunday: 31 March 2024.
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