Holy Saturday follows Good Friday which observes the crucifixion of Jesus and is the day before Easter when Christ's resurrection from the dead is celebrated. This holiday is observed by the Catholic Church in a ceremony where a Paschal candle and five different incenses are lit.  There are five incenses to represent the five wounds of Jesus and the burial spices used to anoint His body for burial.

Holy Saturday is a day of quiet meditation of what Christ's sacrifice means. In Jewish law, the seventh day of the week (Saturday) is a day of rest, and on this day, Jesus is resting in the tomb.

Some churches suspend any services on Holy Saturday, and communion is not served on this day. Other churches conduct baptisms on this day since  the rite of baptism is an act of obedience declaring the "carnal man" dead.

In some denominations, fasting is required on both Good Friday and Holy Saturday.