Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is a Christian celebration that marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. According to the Gospels, Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, fulfilling an Old Testament prophecy, while crowds waved palm branches and laid them on the road. The palm branches symbolised victory and peace, and today, many churches hold processions and distribute blessed palm leaves as a reminder of this event. Palm Sunday sets the stage for the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, reflecting both joyful praise and the foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice.

Many churches hand out palm crosses on Palm Sunday.

The Last Supper

The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. During this meal, which took place on the evening of Maundy Thursday, Jesus instituted the Eucharist (Holy Communion) by breaking bread and sharing wine with his friends:

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:19-20)

He also foretold his betrayal, revealing that one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, would hand him over to the authorities. The Last Supper is a very significant moment in the Easter story because it established the Christian practice of communion and emphasised Jesus’ teachings on humility and service, as seen when he washed the disciples' feet.

A stained glass window depicting the Last Supper

The Garden of Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane was the place where Jesus prayed on the night before his crucifixion, after the Last Supper. Located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, it was here that Jesus, knowing what was to come, prayed to God, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). His sorrow was so intense that the Gospel of Luke describes his sweat as drops of blood.

Meanwhile, his disciples, whom he had asked to keep watch, repeatedly fell asleep. In this moment of emotional and spiritual struggle, Jesus fully submitted to God’s will. Soon after, Judas Iscariot arrived with soldiers, betraying Jesus with a kiss, leading to his arrest and the events of Good Friday.

The Garden of Gethsemane

The Crucifixion

The Crucifixion of Jesus is the central event of Good Friday, marking his suffering and death on a Roman cross. After being arrested, Jesus was tried, beaten and forced to carry his cross to Golgotha (Calvary), where he was nailed to it alongside two criminals. As he hung on the cross with a crown of thorns on his head, he endured mocking from onlookers, darkness covered the land and he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). In his final moments, Jesus declared, “It is finished”, then breathed his last. At that moment, the temple curtain tore in two, symbolising the opening of the way to God. His death is seen by Christians as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins, paving the way for salvation and setting the stage for his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Jesus was crucified with a crown of thorns on his head.

The Resurrection

The Resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, celebrated on Easter Sunday. According to the Gospels, three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. Early in the morning, women followers, including Mary Magdalene, went to his tomb and found it empty, with an angel declaring, “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6). Jesus later appeared to his disciples, proving he was alive, and commanded them to spread his teachings to the world. His resurrection signifies victory over death, offering believers the hope of eternal life. It remains the foundation of Christian belief, symbolising renewal, redemption and the promise of salvation.

Three days after his death, Jesus' followers found the tomb empty.

How do Christians celebrate Easter today?

Christians around the world celebrate Easter as the most important event in their faith, rejoicing in Jesus' resurrection and the hope of eternal life. Many begin with Easter Sunday church services, which include hymns, prayers and the retelling of the resurrection story. Some churches hold sunrise services to symbolise the discovery of the empty tomb at dawn. Many Christians also participate in Holy Communion, reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice and the example he set during the Last Supper.

In addition to religious traditions, Easter is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts and cultural customs like Easter egg hunts and the giving of chocolate eggs, symbolising new life.

Easter eggs represent new life and are used in many ways to celebrate at Easter time.