Ever wonder about the journey Christians take leading up to Easter in Singapore?
It doesn’t matter if you’re observing Lent with solemnity or simply curious about the traditions surrounding Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Easter, this article is here to enlighten you.
Oh, and if you’re just keen on knowing when you’ll get that public holiday for Good Friday, fear not, we’ve got that info for you too.
The timeline
Below is a timeline outlining the key events in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Ash Wednesday | February 14 |
| Lent | Feb 14, 2024 – Mar 28, 2024 |
| Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday | March 18, 2024 |
| Good Friday | March 29, 2024 |
| Holy Saturday | March 30, 2024 |
| Easter Sunday | March 31, 2024 |
| Ascension Day | May 9, 2024 |
| Pentecost Sunday | May 19, 2024 |
Read more: Singapore long weekends 2024: Making the most of your time off
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.
During church services on this day, worshippers receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads, symbolising their repentance and mortality.
It’s a solemn reminder of the need for spiritual renewal and reconciliation.
What is Lent?
It’s a 40-day period of fasting and reflection that precedes Easter Sunday, mirroring Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness.
For many Christians, it’s a time of preparation and penance, with common practices including fasting, abstaining from certain luxuries like sweets or alcohol, and engaging in acts of charity.
What is the Holy Week?
The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, holds great significance for Christians worldwide.
It commemorates the final days of Jesus Christ’s life, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Holy Thursday
Also known as Maundy Thursday, it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. Some churches observe the ritual of washing feet (Maundy) as a symbol of humility and service.
Good Friday
Good Friday, observed on the Friday before Easter, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It’s a day of fasting and reflection, and in Singapore, it’s also a public holiday.
When is Good Friday 2024 in Singapore?
Good Friday falls on March 29, 2024, so mark your calendars for a day of solemn observance and perhaps a well-deserved break.
Read more: Public Holidays in Singapore 2024
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, is a time of quiet reflection as Christians await the joyous celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, with worshippers often carrying palm branches in procession to symbolise his arrival.
In Singapore, palm branches brought home from previous years are respectfully disposed of by burning or burying, never simply discarded.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is the culmination of the Lenten season, celebrated with great joy and reverence in churches across Singapore.
Many churches hold sunrise services in outdoor locations like parks or reservoirs, symbolising the dawn of a new era ushered in by Christ’s resurrection.
As you embark on your journey of new beginnings this Easter season, consider exploring the diverse range of homes waiting for you on 99.co’s portal!
Easter Symbols: Rabbits and eggs
Now, let’s address the age-old question: what do rabbits and eggs have to do with Easter?
Well, since ancient times, eggs and rabbits have been symbols of fertility and rebirth, perfectly aligning with the themes of Easter. The tradition of Easter eggs representing Jesus’ resurrection has been passed down through generations, while the Easter bunny has become a beloved symbol of the holiday.
Fun fact!
Did you know that the Easter bunny, a beloved symbol of the holiday, made its way to America thanks to German immigrants in the 1700s?
They brought with them the tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Legend has it that children would make nests in which this magical creature could lay its colourful eggs.
Over time, the tradition evolved, and the Easter bunny’s deliveries expanded to include chocolate and other treats, replacing nests with beautifully decorated baskets.
As for those hungry bunnies, children in some households leave out carrots for them on Easter Eve, ensuring they have a tasty snack after all their hopping around.
Ascension Day and Pentecost Sunday
Finally, as Easter celebrations wind down, we have Ascension Day and Pentecost Sunday to look forward to.
Ascension Day, observed 40 days after Easter, commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, while Pentecost Sunday, celebrated 50 days after Easter, marks the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ followers and the birth of the Christian church.
Whether you’re observing these traditions with faith and reverence or simply enjoying the public holidays they bring, 99.co wishes you a season filled with joy, reflection, and renewal.
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What are your plans this Good Friday? Share them with us in the comment section down below.
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