Easter is celebrated with aplomb by Christians around the world after observing Lent and the Holy Week. The start of the Lent season symbolizes the onset of a period of austerity and restraint. Christians around the world participate in various religious rites through the Holy Week. The dawn of Easter is marked by festivities and feasts to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Significance of the Holy Week
The Holy Week is defined by traditional events that are sacrament to Christians around the world. It is a solemn week and most families are engrossed with various religious rites. Different countries observe the Holy week through various traditions. For example, Italians go on pilgrimages to various basilicas during Lent season. On Maundy Thursday, Filipino families spend the day at church praying at Stations of the Cross, venerating the Blessed Sacrament or confessing their sins. In countries like Spain, Portugal and many places in Latin America the close of Lent and the Holy Week is fervently celebrated.
Good Friday is a solemn day in the Christian calendar. In most countries business comes to a standstill as people participate in street processions, prayer services or religious activities that are a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.
Notable Holy Week/Easter Cultures and Traditions
Each culture has unique traditions that are observed during the Holy Week or on Easter itself. In some countries the streets are filled with ornate carpets adding to the festive cheer of Easter celebrations. Easter egg hunts are also organized in a lot of countries, more predominantly in Europe, Mexico and Central America. Elaborate processions and parades, Passion Plays, The Seven Churches Visitations are few of the many traditions that are still practiced by Christians across the globe to commemorate Holy Week and Easter.
The traditions may vary from one country to another yet if you are an expat living away from home, look at it as an opportunity to partake in new traditions while staying rooted to your religious rites. Even if you are away from your family you could add to their Easter festivities through remittances. You can rely on Xpress Money’s competitive exchange rates and extensive network to offer additional comfort for your family, this Easter. After all, Easter is a celebration of all that is good in this world.
