Some Roman Catholic Easter observances / traditions

[pinto]

Found this thread interesting and it reminded me of similarities among Abrahamic religious practices (Judaism, Christianity and Islam).

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=122648

Much of them all are steeped in tradition, local culture and ritual. A "Cliff Notes" take on some Catholic stuff. And side comments.

The Easter weekend begins Thursday night. Friday, Saturday and Sunday have a different format than the usual Catholic ritual.

After the last mass on Thursday the altar is cleared off save for three candles. Any statues in the church are covered with black cloth. The 12 stations of the cross, usually represented by a series of pictures around the church are covered. That bowl of water used to bless yourself at the entrance is emptied. The lights are dimmed.

There is no mass held on Friday. Everything is silent. A three day candle is lit to one side.

(Traditionally some folks turned off the TV and radio between 12 - 3 PM. Some didn't eat or speak during that time.)

Friday night is a quick fish meal. Saturday, eh?

Easter Sunday morning the black cloth coverings are all taken off, church is filled with flowers, the lights turned on and a mass is said. Then a big Easter supper at home. The whole nine yards.

[DonCoquixote]

1. don't forget tenebrae

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenebrae

I realize some churches celebrate it on Holy Thursday, but many, like the Episcopal denomination, give it it's own night on Wednesday.

To be honest, this is one of my favorite holidays, because it is so Gothic and dark. It is a winding down of the mind into death,with the lights being snuffed off a "hearse" until the church becomes like a tomb. As the winter holidays try to add in color and light to the winter dread,so does lent and Tenebrae try to add some dark to the spring.

Until of course we commercialize easter and make it the pastel technicolor nightmare it is.

[pinto]

2. My church experience was Maunday Thursday. Good Friday was my thing, though personally.

And a neat take, yours, on the holiday. It is dark, no? I appreciate it as well.

Dark, foreboding. Then, spring lightens. I love the allegory if that's the right term.