The Easter holiday gets under way in just a few days, and while merrymaking and egg hunting may be on the agenda for a number of persons, let us not forget the religious meaning of the season.

On the Christian calendar, the Easter period is recognised as the most important observance for believers, as they join in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, three days after his crucifixion.

When does the Easter Season begin?

The season of Easter begins with a 40-day period marked by fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline, known as Lent.

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent and the Easter season, while Easter Sunday marks the end of Lent and the Easter season.

Important days within the Easter Season

Throughout the Easter season, Christians observe a number of days that are believed to be significant, as they paint the picture of how Jesus spent his last days prior to his execution.

The week in which these days are observed is referred to as Holy Week and occurs during the week leading up to Easter Sunday.

During Holy Week the following days are recognised as of importance:

1. PALM SUNDAY

This is the Sunday before Easter Sunday.

It is the first day of Holy Week and celebrates Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem riding on a donkey. At the time, Jesus was greeted by crowds of people and the road was decorated with palm branches.

2. HOLY THURSDAY

This is the Thursday before Good Friday.

On Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, Christians recall when Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples, breaking bread and drinking wine.

Today this meal is known as the Last Supper and is reenacted by Christians during an act called Holy Communion or Mass as a reminder that Jesus sacrificed his life for mankind.

3. GOOD FRIDAY

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday and is symbolic of the day Jesus was crucified.

During a special Good Friday service, Christians remember Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith.

4. EASTER SUNDAY

Easter Sunday marks the day Jesus rose from the dead.

Following his crucifixion on Good Friday, his body was removed from the cross and buried in a cave tomb, where an enormous stone was put over the entrance.

On Sunday, Mary Magdalene and some of Jesus’ disciples visited the tomb where they found the stone had been moved and that Jesus’ body was no longer present.

Jesus was later seen by Mary and his disciples, showcasing clear evidence of the nails that bore his skin during the crucifixion.