Holy Tuesday is observed annually on the Tuesday of Holy Week, which is the week preceding Easter Sunday and typically occurs between the end of March and early April. This year’s event occurs on April 4. This day is observed by Christians all over the world as a time to reflect on the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion and his resurrection, which is commemorated on Easter. This day is also known as Fig Tuesday because it commemorates the day Jesus returned to Jerusalem from Bethany and used a desiccated fig tree to teach his disciples a lesson.
The background of Holy Tuesday
Holy Tuesday is observed annually on the Tuesday preceding Easter and is an integral component of Holy Week. Depending on the date of Easter, this day typically occurs on a Tuesday at the end of March or the beginning of April.
Holy Week is the holiest week for Christians of all denominations around the globe. Catholics and Protestants equally observe Holy Week with devotion and solemnity to commemorate Christ’s journey and his final week in Jerusalem before his crucifixion and resurrection.
Not to be confused with Christ’s triumphant return to Jerusalem after being tested in the desert on Palm Sunday, Holy Tuesday succeeds Christ’s return to Jerusalem from Bethany. After Palm Sunday, Jesus travels to Bethany, and on the following Tuesday, he returns to Jerusalem in order to proceed to the Mount of Olives.
On his journey back to Jerusalem, Jesus passes a fig tree that he cursed on Monday while travelling to Bethany. Jesus uses the occasion to teach his disciples about faith and informs them that if they have faith, they will have the ability to curse or benefit the world as he did. Hence, the day is also called Fig Tuesday.
This is also the day that Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard workers who disregarded the demands of the vineyard owner and ultimately murdered the owner’s son. The religious authorities, the Pharisees and Sadducees, are enraged because they perceive the parable to be directed at them, and they begin to plot Jesus’ arrest.
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Holy Week liturgies for all Christian denominations in the Western Church are identical during Holy Week.
As the church meditates on Judas’ betrayal, Holy Wednesday is also known as Spy Wednesday.
Jesus Christ foretells his own demise in the parable of the vineyard owner and the vineyard workers who murder the owner’s son.
For Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday, the gospel is ambiguous regarding the events and dates.
People used to conduct vigils on Saturdays preceding Easter Sunday in early Christianity.
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HOLY TUESDAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 12 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | April 4 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | March 26 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | April 15 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 31 | Tuesday |
