Paschal Triduum

Lent calendar

Three-day period in the liturgical year of Christianity

Official name
Also called
Observed by	Christians
Liturgical color
Type	Christian observance
Significance
Celebrations
Observances
Begins

The Paschal Triduum, also known as the Easter Triduum, Holy Triduum, or Three Days, is the period of three days that begins with the liturgy on the evening of Maundy Thursday, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. It is the most solemn part of the Christian liturgical year.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his Apostles, as described in the New Testament. It is the day when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the priesthood. The liturgy includes the washing of the feet, which symbolizes the service and charity of Christ.

Good Friday

Good Friday is the day on which Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is a day of fasting and penance. The liturgy of Good Friday includes the reading of the Passion of Jesus, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It commemorates the day that Jesus Christ's body lay in the tomb. The day is traditionally a time of reflection and waiting. The Easter Vigil is held on the evening of Holy Saturday, marking the beginning of Easter.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the culmination of the Paschal Triduum and the beginning of the Easter season. The liturgy of Easter Sunday is the most important of the Christian year, celebrating the victory of life over death.

Significance

The Paschal Triduum is the most important period in the Christian liturgical year. It commemorates the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are the central events of Christianity. The Triduum is a time of intense prayer, reflection, and celebration for Christians around the world.

Observance

The observance of the Paschal Triduum varies among different Christian denominations. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Triduum is marked by elaborate liturgies and rituals. Eastern Orthodox Christians also observe the Triduum with special services and traditions. Protestant denominations may have their own unique ways of commemorating these days.

See also

• Holy Week
• Easter
• Lent
• Pentecost
• Ascension of Jesus

References

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