Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tenebrae

noun

/ˈtɛn.ɪ.breɪ/

Definition

A Christian service of worship held during Holy Week, consisting of the chanting of psalms and the extinguishing of candles to symbolize the darkness of Christ’s burial.

Examples

Many churches hold tenebrae services on the evening of Maundy Thursday.
During the tenebrae service, the congregation contemplates the significance of Christ’s suffering.
The gradual extinguishing of candles creates a profound sense of solemnity during tenebrae.

Meaning

The term ‘tenebrae’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘darkness’ and refers to the liturgical observance that reflects on Christ’s passion and death.