• Source:JND
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HOLY SATURDAY, also known as Holy or Great Saturday, and Joyous Saturday is the last day of the holy week of Christians. It is considered an important day as it is the day when Jesus Christ’s body was placed in the tomb after the crucifixion on Good Friday. This year, Holy Saturday falls on April 08, a day before Easter.

Holy Saturday 2023: History

With the setting sun of Good Friday, the Christians enter into a solemn and reflective time known as Holy Saturday, Great Saturday, Black Saturday, or Easter Vigil. The day of Holy Saturday signifies a time of rest and reflection for Christians around the world. It is a day marked by mourning and Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and his descent into the tomb. Amid the darkness and sorrow, there is also a sense of hope and anticipation, as Christians await the celebration of Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Holy Saturday 2023: Significance

According to Christian beliefs, Holy Saturday holds a special place in the salvation of humanity, as it marks the moment when Christ descended into hell to free the souls of the righteous who had died before his crucifixion. This concept is often referred to as the ‘ Harrowing of Hell’ or the ‘Descent into Hell,’ and it plays an important role in the Easter story.

It is also a special time when people get ready for the celebrations of Easter. Various churches hold special prayers and services, to mark the occasion.

Holy Saturday 2023: Facts

1. In many churches, a custom developed of creating a tomb or bier on which was placed a statue of Jesus’ corpse, and the lay faithful were then encouraged to remain in prayer before the sorrowful tomb. For most of history, there were few, if any, public liturgies before the Easter Vigil, leaving the church completely silent from Good Friday afternoon until the late evening hours of Holy Saturday.

2. Historians believe that Holy Saturday was also a day that did not have a Mass. Instead, Christians held an all-night vigil that started in the middle of the night on Saturday and didn’t end until the first rays of dawn when the celebration of Mass began on Easter morning.

3. Holy Saturday is another one of those unique days in the liturgical calendar where the Church invites us into this intense period of “waiting,” a time that is still marked with mourning but is on the edge of rejoicing.