In the Philippines, Black Saturday is observed as a public holiday. The word “black” refers to the color of mourning and the day that Jesus Christ was laid to rest in his tomb following his crucifixion. The final day of Christ’s death, generally connected with His victorious ascent into hell, is remembered on Black Saturday, Holy Saturday, also known as Easter Vigil or Glorious Saturday in the Philippines.

According to the Bible, Joseph of Arimathea requested the body of Jesus from Pilate. He removed it, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and deposited it in a tomb he had carved out of rock where no one had yet been buried, according to the verse. Following Jesus from Galilee, the women observed the tomb and the manner in which his body was put in it. Then they went back and made fragrances and aromatic plants.

Catholic doctrine claims that Christ entered hell on Black Saturday as well. The dead Christ descended into the realm of the dead, according to the Catholic Church’s Catechism. For the just who came before him, Jesus unlocked the gates of heaven.

On Holy Saturday evening, a vigil for Easter is frequently held in remembrance of the vigil that Jesus’ followers kept following his crucifixion on Good Friday. This service, which is held to commemorate Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, is occasionally referred to as the Paschal Vigil.

Since all candles are extinguished on Maundy Thursday, the Vigil frequently starts with the church being completely dark.

The congregation applauds “Thanks be to God” as the priest enters the church carrying a Paschal candle, a unique candle that represents the body of Jesus. Following the blessing of the Paschal candle, the remainder of the candles in the church are ignited using the Paschal candle, illuminating the entire space.