Sunday began what is referred to as Holy Week among Christians. For folks who observe a Christian liturgical calendar, Sunday was what is called Palm Sunday. Again we have a division between observances of the "liturgical churches" and the more free-form denominations. A liturgical church would be Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Episcopalian/Anglican, for example. One is most likely to experience a more structured Holy Week among those folks.

Sunday - was Palm Sunday. In many churches actual dried palm fronds, or pieces of them, were distributed during or after worship. These were to remind the faithful of Jesus' triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, where crowds gathered and palm branches were placed at the feet of Jesus and his disciples.

Thursday - This day is called Maundy Thursday and is the next liturgically major day in Holy Week. The term Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum meaning "to give." As Jesus and the Disciples were eating their final meal together before Jesus’ arrest, he washed the disciples' feet in the spirit of servanthood. It is customary for the Pope to wash the feet of a dozen strangers every year on this night. Some churches also have their version of foot washing ceremonies. Some churches will strip the altar of any decoration on this night, and it will stay that way until Easter.

Friday - Good Friday. This is a day of mourning the death and suffering of Jesus. One of the services for Good Friday is called Tenebrae (Latin for "shadows" or "darkness"). Tenebrae contains a series of Scripture readings and meditation done in stages while lights and/or candles are gradually extinguished to symbolize the growing darkness relative to Jesus’ death. The service ends in darkness, Often with a loud noise symbolizing the closing of Jesus’ tomb.

next Sunday - Easter, the celebration of what Christians believe is the resurrection of Christ.

This week is designed to highten the awareness of the faithful of the ministry and mission of Christ. It is a somber week, ending in a triumphal celebration. I will be adding more to this discussion of Easter during the week, and our Food Editors will also chime in with their delightful ideas about Easter foods and culinary tradition.

Please let's talk about how you observe Easter, whether it is religious, or more oriented to the arrival of spring and the special bunny.