What To Do During Holy Week

 

            Welcome my tala to what are the things you can do during Holy Week! Maybe you're already familiar with these and need a refresher, or maybe you're new to this special week, I got you covered with the top 5 things to do during Holy Week ~ ★

But First...

            What is Holy Week? When does it start? What do I need to know about it?

            Holy Week is the commemoration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a very significant week for Christians to celebrate to show their faith for Jesus Christ. This is always celebrated before Easter, which doesn't have a fixed date. But it's always, before easter, the preceding six (6) days will be what we celebrate as Holy Week

Okay, But... What can I do?

            Although there is no specific thing to do in Holy Week, here is a list of things you can do to commemorate or take part of during holy week. 

† Go to Church, Buy Palm Fronds

Photo From: https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/palm-sunday-holy-week-to-shift-to-family-home-celebrations-like-the-early-church/

            The very first thing when Holy Week comes is to buy palm fronds and to attend church mass. In holy week, the priests will bless palm fronds through sprinkling holy water towards the area of devotees. It is expected that they are carrying palm fronds, but if you don't have one, it's alright. 

   

             But it is believed that palm leaves should be placed at the doors for protection against any evil that may come that could hurt you or your family. So it is good to have that at your door.

             Reminder though, this only occurs during Palm Sunday, which is the start of Holy Week, so if you want to attend, it must be on that day. The Philippines is filled with church and chapels, you don't need to worry about finding one. But if you want to go to one of the churches, San Agustin Church (Manila) is a good church to go to. 

              The San Agustin is one of the oldest church found in the Philippines, it has a beautiful architecture and an even more beautiful interior. This church still holds masses from Sunday to Saturday (exclusion of Monday), where the first mass starts at 8 AM, and the last one ends at 5 PM.

† Abstain From Meat...

Photo Credits: https://www.lumina.com.ph/news-and-blogs/blogs/meals-to-eat-when-fasting-for-holy-week-observance/

            Observed during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Christians who are commemorating holy week abstain from eating meat, but foods like dairy products, eggs, or products that came from said meat are allowed. Although there are exemptions, like those who are still young, or below 14 years old. Also those who are physically ill or cannot go without eating are exempted.  

† Refrain From Making Noise. And Traveling 

Photo Credits: https://www.thoughtco.com/quiet-quit-and-quite-1692774

            Silence is observed especially Good Friday and Black Saturday, as these days are where we mourn for the death of Jesus Christ. On this day, we must reflect on our sins and pray for ourselves and others. 

              There are superstitions from elderly in the Philippines where if you get hurt during these days, it would not heal, some say this to younger children to make sure they don't cause ruckus and remain silent during these days. But it is considered a belief where wounds will take longer to heal without the presence of Jesus Christ, so traveling here is discouraged to avoid any accidents

† Watch Senakulo  

Photo Credits: https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/04/02/headline-photos/online-senakulo/858673

            Senakulo is always done in the Philippines, especially on provincial areas. This is a stage play of the life of Jesus, from his birth, up to his death and resurrection. These are done in holy week and are usually played at night. 

Photo Credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ton70/8597387966

            Alongside this is what Filipinos call as Prusisyon which is the parade where we walk alongside a life size statue of depiction of Passion of Jesus Christ.

† Lastly... Pray...  

Photo Credits: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/prayers-for-coping-with-lifes-challenges.htm

            Holy Week is a week of reflection, mourning, and prayer. If you're finding the right time to connect with God, holy week is the best time for you. You don't need to pray inside a church, you just have to pray with all your heart, and God will hear your prayers, no matter who you are, what you have done, once you've repent your sins to God and pray, you'll feel better, you'll feel heard, and most especially, you'll feel loved.  

                Jesus loves everyone, no matter who they are, and for you to reach out to him, is sometimes the best things to do. You can let all our feelings out.

                Hello my tala! I hope you found this informative and I just want to give you a helpful reminder! You don't need to strictly follow the list, it's only a way for you to immerse yourself in Holy Week and to know what are the do's and don'ts in this special week. 

                       I hope you have a wonderful week!