Holy Week begins with Palm/Passion Sunday and continues through the Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It is the most solemn and holy time of the year.

Focus

This is the time that traces in detail all the events that led to Jesus' betrayal, suffering, death and burial.

Mood

The mood is one of trembling awe, humility and remembrance. It begins in the joy of Jesus entry into Jerusalem to happy cries of "Hosanna" and "Hail to the King" and moves through the week to the cross.

Symbols

Palms, of course, are symbols for the entry into Jerusalem. Sometimes you see roosters, foreshadowing Peter's denial. The cross, however, is the primary symbol, along with emptiness and a lack of ornamentation. Directions to make palm crosses.

Food

Hot cross buns are really a Good Friday food, not the general Lenten food we seem to see today. During the Middle Ages in England hot cross buns were distributed to the poor on Good Friday (other breads were distributed on other special days, too). The cross is a reminder of the cross. So, you may want to save hot cross buns for Good Friday. Serve them with milk for a simple Good Friday supper—a day that traditionally was marked by fasting. Recipe

Worship Leaflets

You will want to participate as much as possible in Holy Week services at your church—both Palm/Passion Sunday and the weekday services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. One way to help children grow into these solemn liturgies is to observe a week-long Tenebrae at home. Whether or not your church has a Tenebrae Service, such a home liturgy will help children learn and experience the story. There is greater immediacy and intimacy when the candles are right in the center of the family table. Tenebrae is a service of shadows and growing darkness as it becomes apparent that events are leading inexorably towards the cross.

You will need seven candles and a candle snuffer. Light all the candles the first night. Scripture readings are listed, with one short portion italicized; when it is read, or after the reading, snuff one candle furthest from the center. The next night light all the candles except that one. After the reading, snuff the candle on the opposite side. Each night, snuff one more candle, alternating sides, until only the center candle is still lit. That last candle is not snuffed on Saturday as it represents the light of Christ that is never completely put out.