Low Sunday, also referred to as the Octave of Easter, is a Christian holiday celebrated on the Sunday after Easter Sunday. The name "Low Sunday" comes from the fact that it marks the end of the joyous celebrations of Easter and the start of a more solemn period. In terms of phonetics, the word "low" is pronounced /ləʊ/ in British English and /loʊ/ in American English. The word is spelled with the letter "L" followed by the diphthong "-ow" which is pronounced as /əʊ/ or /oʊ/.
Low Sunday, also referred to as the Octave Day of Easter or the Second Sunday of Easter, is a Christian observance that falls on the first Sunday after Easter Sunday. It is called "Low" as it marks a contrast to the grand celebration of Easter, which is considered the highest and most significant feast in the Christian liturgical calendar.
Low Sunday retains the joyous spirit of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it is typically a less elaborate and less crowded affair. It is a time when the Church reflects on the significance of Christ's triumph over death and his message of eternal life. The Gospel reading often focuses on the story of Doubting Thomas, who initially questioned the resurrected Christ but later became a fervent believer after touching Jesus' wounds.
In some Christian traditions, Low Sunday marks the end of the Easter octave, a period of eight days that are viewed as one continuous celebration of Christ's resurrection. During this time, the Church rejoices in the victory of Christ, expounds on the implications of his resurrection for believers, and encourages them to live in the hope and promise of eternal life.
Overall, Low Sunday serves as a bridge between Easter Sunday and the following weeks of the Easter season, allowing Christians to continue exploring the profound spiritual and theological implications of Christ's resurrection while gradually transitioning to the ordinary rhythm of the liturgical year.
The Sunday next after Easter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "Low Sunday" originates from the Middle English word "lowe" or "loe", meaning "to humble" or "to stoop". The adjective "low" in this context implies a contrast to the high and joyous celebration of Easter Sunday. "Low Sunday" refers to the Sunday following Easter, which is considered less significant and less exultant in comparison to Easter Day. The term first emerged in the 17th century and has been used ever since.