Easter Monday in 2026 marks the beginning of one of the most important times of the year for Orthodox Christians. The Illuminated Week takes place this year between April 13-19, and each day comes with special meanings and traditions preserved from grandparents.
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In the Orthodox tradition, this week symbolizes the renewal and joy brought by the Resurrection. In fact, in some Christian spaces it is also called “Renewed Week”, precisely because it marks the idea of spiritual rebirth.
For the Orthodox, the Bright Week begins
The name “Illuminated Week” comes from an old practice of the Church: in the past, baptisms were performed on Easter night, and those who received this sacrament were called “illuminated”. They wore white clothes during the entire week after the Resurrection, a symbol of new life, and hence the name of this period.
During this period, believers greet each other with “Christ is risen!” and answer “He is truly risen!” formula that is preserved until the Ascension of the Lord. At services, the Axion of Easter is sung, “The angel cried out…”and the services are conducted differently: there are no matans, only bows, and the Psalter is not read. Unlike the rest of the year, Wednesday and Friday are days with indulgence in sweets, a sign of Easter joy. At the same time, during Bright Week, there are no services for the sleeping ones: no memorials are made, and funerals are celebrated according to a special order, in which the Resurrection service takes the place of the usual one. These ordinances will be resumed only after St. Thomas Sunday.
A widespread belief says that, on Holy Week, the gates of Heaven are open to all since the night of the Resurrection. The tradition is also linked to an old custom in the church: the Royal Doors of the altar remain open throughout this period, as a symbol of the victory of life over death.
What not to do during Bright Week
In addition to the church ordinances, in the popular tradition numerous prohibitions have been kept for each day of the Bright Week 2026. These mainly relate to household chores and the observance of customs considered to bring good luck or, on the contrary, damage.
Monday, April 13 – White Monday
The first day of the week is dedicated to the joy of the Resurrection and family visits, which is why no hard work is done in the household. Tradition says that the Finns go to the godparents with gifts – cakes, Easter and red eggs – and the children visit their parents. Custom is known as law “pasture walking” and marks the announcement of the Resurrection.
Tuesday, April 14 – White Tuesday
It is considered a non-working day in many areas. No washing, no ironing and no cleaning, being a day in which household chores are avoided. In the countryside, the custom of giving alms left over from Easter, along with red wine, was preserved.
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Wednesday, April 15 – Holy Wednesday
On this day, women avoid household chores. Washing or sweeping is said to bring the “wedding of mice” into the household, meaning the multiplication of rodents in the house. Instead, in some areas, men go to work in the fields.
Thursday, April 16 – Green Thursday
The day is linked, in popular tradition, to the protection of holdas and gardens. It is said that it is not good to work, because work on this day would bring drought, pests or damage to the household. In some areas, a ritual has also been preserved: people carry water in several vessels, light candles, and the water is then poured into the well, a gesture considered protective for the home and family.
Friday, April 17 – Izvorul Tămăduirii (Fântânița)
Friday of Bright Week, known as the Healing Spring, has a special significance and is linked to the healing power of water. It is said that the holy water on this day has healing powers, which is why the holiday is also called “Fântânița” among the people, being associated with springs and fountains considered blessed.
Saturday, April 18 – Illuminated Saturday
Illuminated Saturday, the last day of Illuminated Week, preserves a series of customs and beliefs passed down from generation to generation.
In popular tradition, this day is considered one of preparation for St. Thomas Sunday, and work is avoided in the household. In some areas, the day is also associated with the commemoration of the drowned, which is why memorials and acts of almsgiving are made.
The faithful go to church and usually bring red eggs, as a sign of the joy of the Resurrection, which is kept throughout the week.
A widespread belief says that people born on Bright Saturday are lucky for life, as are those born on the whole Bright Week, but especially if the birth takes place while the church bells are ringing.
As in the rest of the week, special ordinances are kept on this day: funeral services do not follow the usual pattern, but are celebrated in a form close to the Resurrection service, with the emphasis being on hope and eternal life.
Other traditions during the week of April 13–19, 2026
White Monday (April 13) is associated, in popular tradition, with the opening of the gates of Heaven and forgiveness. It is said that those who die on this day do not go through the Last Judgment. Even now, people are used to sprinkling the house with aghesa and sharing liquor with their relatives. In Transylvania, the custom of sprinkling has also been preserved: the boys, dressed in traditional clothes, sprinkle the girls with perfume, and they reward them with drink and small gifts.
Illuminated Week is also known, in some areas, as Blessed Week or Easter of the Dead, starting from the belief that, with the Resurrection, the souls of the sleeping return symbolically among the living to take part in the celebration.
Illuminated Week 2026 ends with St. Thomas Sunday, April 19, which marks the return to the regular order of services, including the resumption of commemorations for those who have fallen asleep. The greeting “Christ is risen!” however, it continues to be used until the Ascension.
