Holy Saturday in United Kingdom

Holy Saturday commemorates the day before Jesus arose from death. He is symbolized as the Lamb of God (image pictured above). ©iStockphoto.com/Sybille Yates

What do people do?

Many Christians in the United Kingdom participate in an Easter vigil service on Holy Saturday to mark the end of the Lent period before celebrating Easter. They remember Holy Saturday as the day when Jesus lay in his tomb. Many services are held in the evening of Holy Saturday, where candles are lit to proclaim Jesus Christ’s rising. Some church services are held in total darkness before the candles are lit. Some churches have baptisms, renewal of baptismal vows, and confirmations on Holy Saturday.

Many people in the United Kingdom take time off on the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday to enjoy the long Easter weekend. Many people go on a trip to enjoy the short holiday break. Some people spend time in the countryside while others travel to other countries in Europe, such as France, Spain or Portugal.

Many families prepare Easter eggs on the Saturday before Easter. Children decorate eggs with paint, crayon, water colors, stickers and other material. These eggs are often placed in Easter baskets. Chocolate Easter eggs are popular around this time of the year. Some radio stations that feature classical music play special songs sung by cathedral choirs on Holy Saturday.

Public Life

Holy Saturday is not a national bank holiday in the United Kingdom.

Background and Symbols

Holy Saturday is the last day of Holy Week and ends the season of Lent. Easter vigil services in the United Kingdom on Holy Saturday can be traced back to the early years of Christianity during the time of the Roman empire. One tradition that still has symbolic significance today is lighting candles during the Easter vigil services. The lit candle, known as the Paschal candle, signifies the light of Jesus Christ, and that he brings light into darkness.

About Holy Saturday in other countries

Holy Saturday Observances

Related holidays

• Palm Sunday–Sunday, April 5, 2009
• Maundy Thursday–Thursday, April 9, 2009
• Good Friday–Friday, April 10, 2009
• Easter Sunday–Sunday, April 12, 2009
• Easter Monday–Monday, April 13, 2009

Other holidays in April 2009 in United Kingdom

• Palm Sunday (Sunday, April 5, 2009)
• First day of Passover (Thursday, April 9, 2009)
• Maundy Thursday (Thursday, April 9, 2009)
• Good Friday (Friday, April 10, 2009)
• Easter Sunday (Sunday, April 12, 2009)
• Easter Monday (Monday, April 13, 2009)
• Last day of Passover (Thursday, April 16, 2009)
• Orthodox Good Friday (Friday, April 17, 2009)
• Orthodox Holy Saturday (Saturday, April 18, 2009)
• Orthodox Easter (Sunday, April 19, 2009)
• Orthodox Easter Monday (Monday, April 20, 2009)
• Yom HaShoah (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)
• Shakespeare Day (Thursday, April 23, 2009)
• St. George's Day (Thursday, April 23, 2009)
• Yom HaAtzmaut (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)

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