Black Saturday

April 20
Saturday

This day, sometimes known as the Eve of Easter, marks the full day
when Jesus' body lay in the tomb after his crucifixion on Good Friday
and before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. It was a popular day for
baptisms. Because of the solemnity of the day, few services are held
on this day. However, rituals that can help with salvation for the dying
such as baptism were allowed. An Easter Vigil often takes place in the
evening of Holy Saturday. Sometimes known as Paschal Vigil, this
service is held as a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Vigil often begins with the church into darkness; all candles are
put out on Maundy Thursday. The minister enters the church, bearing
a Paschal candle (a special candle that symbolizes the body of
Jesus), accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ" to which the
assembly responds "Thanks be to God". After blessing the Paschal
candle, the rest of the candles in the church are then lit from the
Paschal candle, and the church is illuminated by light.