The word is vaguely familiar. Although, I admit I can't tell you what it means. Google-queen that I am, I did google it.
Passiontide (in the Christian liturgical year) is a name for the last two weeks of Lent, beginning on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, long celebrated as Passion Sunday, and ending on Holy Saturday. Wikipedia
IOW, during the last two weeks of Lent we are to focus on the penitential aspect of Lent. It's an old custom to cover the statues and crosses in the church. They are covered with purple cloth, since that's the color of Lent. However, it's an old custom. No churches around here do this. And the Stations of the Cross are not covered because we use them during Lent. Besides, they are a virtual reminder of the passion and death of Jesus--de facto!
Pity. I love old traditions and it definitely is a literal tangible of what these last Lenten weeks are leading to--crucifixion of Jesus.
And the unveiling is a spectacular reminder of Jesus' death and resurrection. On Good Friday, just the crosses are unveiled. Jesus' crucifixion is revealed visibly for us. Then at the Easter Vigil all the other statues are unveiled. How's that for a reenactment of the paschal mystery.
How much do you want to bet that this tradition comes back in vogue?
Passiontide (in the Christian liturgical year) is a name for the last two weeks of Lent, beginning on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, long celebrated as Passion Sunday, and ending on Holy Saturday. Wikipedia
IOW, during the last two weeks of Lent we are to focus on the penitential aspect of Lent. It's an old custom to cover the statues and crosses in the church. They are covered with purple cloth, since that's the color of Lent. However, it's an old custom. No churches around here do this. And the Stations of the Cross are not covered because we use them during Lent. Besides, they are a virtual reminder of the passion and death of Jesus--de facto!
Pity. I love old traditions and it definitely is a literal tangible of what these last Lenten weeks are leading to--crucifixion of Jesus.
And the unveiling is a spectacular reminder of Jesus' death and resurrection. On Good Friday, just the crosses are unveiled. Jesus' crucifixion is revealed visibly for us. Then at the Easter Vigil all the other statues are unveiled. How's that for a reenactment of the paschal mystery.
How much do you want to bet that this tradition comes back in vogue?
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