Holy Wednesday

Holy Wednesday, also known as Spy Wednesday or Good Wednesday, is observed by Christians worldwide on the Wednesday before Easter. It commemorates Judas Iscariot's decision to betray Jesus and the anointing of Jesus by a woman in Bethany, marked by special liturgies and local customs.

• Also called Spy Wednesday or Good Wednesday
• Tenebrae service features gradual extinguishing of candles
• Greek churches sing the Hymn of Kassiani
• Larantuka, Indonesia, marks the day with noisy street processions
• Czech tradition involves sweeping chimneys for Easter

What it is

Holy Wednesday is a significant day in the Christian Holy Week, falling just before the events of the Last Supper and Crucifixion. It is a day of reflection on the themes of betrayal and forgiveness, recalling the moment when Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Many Christians also remember the story of a woman anointing Jesus with precious oil, symbolizing devotion and preparation for his burial. The day is marked by solemn church services, readings, and hymns that invite the faithful to contemplate the human capacity for both sin and repentance.

Where it comes from

The observance of Holy Wednesday is rooted in the New Testament accounts of the days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. According to the Gospels, after entering Jerusalem, Jesus was anointed by Mary in Bethany, and Judas Iscariot made his secret arrangement to betray him. The day became known as 'Spy Wednesday' in reference to Judas acting as a clandestine agent among the disciples. Over centuries, different Christian traditions developed unique liturgical practices and customs to mark this day, reflecting on its themes of betrayal, sorrow, and hope.

How it is celebrated

Holy Wednesday is marked by a range of liturgical and local customs. In Western Christianity, many churches hold the Tenebrae service, where candles are gradually extinguished and the church is left in darkness, symbolizing the approaching suffering of Jesus. Readings from scripture and the making of a loud noise (strepitus) are traditional elements. In the Byzantine Rite, the day features the Bridegroom Service and the moving Hymn of Kassiani, focusing on repentance and the anointing of Jesus. In Greece, Holy Unction is administered to all members of the church. Local customs also flourish: in the Czech Republic, chimneys are swept clean, while in Larantuka, Indonesia, people drag zinc plates through the streets, striking them and shouting to recall the arrest of Jesus.

Joining in

Visitors can experience Holy Wednesday in churches across the world, with especially vivid traditions in countries like Greece, Spain, and Indonesia. In Greek Orthodox communities, attending the evening service and hearing the Hymn of Kassiani is a powerful experience. In Larantuka, Indonesia, the streets come alive with the sound of zinc plates and communal remembrance. In Western churches, the Tenebrae service offers a contemplative atmosphere, with dimming lights and somber music. Wherever you join, expect a mood of reflection and a focus on the deeper meanings of Holy Week.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Holy Wednesday, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Holy Wednesday on WikipediaEncyclopedia
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• Wikidata recordOpen data

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