Easter Saturday

Holy Saturday, also known as Great or Silent Saturday, commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in his tomb following his crucifixion. As a significant event within the Christian calendar, it 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, the faithful gather together for meditation and prayer, often participating in readings from the Bible to commemorate this solemn day within the Easter story. As with many parts of the world, the date of Holy Saturday varies from year to year, typically falling sometime between late March and late April. This is because it is determined by the lunar calendar, occurring on the day before Easter Sunday.