Easter Saturday

Easter Saturday History

Holy Saturday, also known as Great or Silent Saturday, commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in his tomb following his crucifixion. The event forms part of the Easter Triduum – the three-day period preceding Easter Sunday – and culminates in the resurrection and celebration of Christ's victory over death. On this day, believers observe a time of quiet reflection, awaiting the promised resurrection and the hope of new life it symbolises.

While the tradition of Holy Saturday is rooted in the early Christian church, it took on a new life in New Zealand with the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century. It is a valuable time for people in New Zealand to honour the sacrifice of Jesus and reflect on their own spiritual journeys. New Zealand's multi-cultural society means that Holy Saturday and the Easter period in general are observed in various ways, influenced by the diverse range of customs and practices present within the country's Christian population.

In New Zealand, Holy Saturday is observed through church services and vigils held across the country. During these events, believers gather together for meditation and prayer, often participating in readings from the Bible to commemorate this solemn day within the Easter story. The date of Holy Saturday varies from year to year, typically falling sometime between late March and late April.

Top facts about Easter Saturday

• Easter celebrations are linked to the lunar calendar. We now celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox (March 21).
• Easter Saturday is the final day of Holy week, which includes Good Friday and Maundy Thursday. It is also the final day of Lenten fasting.
• Holy Saturday customs in New Zealand are heavily influenced by the British, as the majority of New Zealand's early settlers came from the British Isles.
• The season's focus on rebirth and renewal ties in with local customs celebrating the arrival of autumn and the Maori new year.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Easter Saturday

Top things to do for Easter Saturday in NZ

• Take a moment and reflect upon what Jesus' resurrection means to you and to the world as a whole. More than one billion people on the planet believe in his resurrection, without it, Christianity would not be a dominant religion today.
• Light a Paschal candle. These white candles are symbols of Jesus' presence and his guidance out of the dark.
• Following the day of fasting and abstinence, many families in New Zealand gather for a special meal together on Holy Saturday. This usually includes traditional Easter foods like lamb, hot cross buns, and other celebratory dishes.
• Holy Saturday is a time for introspection and contemplation. Many Christians choose to spend the day in silent meditation, reflecting on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of his resurrection.