Celebrate the true meaning of Easter.

THIS Easter, try to remember the true meaning of this annual celebration.

As well as enjoying chocolate Easter eggs, hot cross buns and everything else that now makes Easter a massive commercial success, try and give a little thought to this major Christian festival which celebrates the resurrection of Christ.

Many churches in theHuddersfield area will be holding special services throughout the Easter period to bring home the true meaning of this special time of year.

Unfortunately in today's commercial world, more focus is placed on the Easter bunny than on Easter Sunday itself.

With shops full of chocolate Easter eggs, today's celebration places more emphasis on food, drink and spending money rather than on the original Easter message.

Serviceswill be held at churches throughout the Easter weekend from Good Friday March 21 through to Easter Sunday March 23.

So what does Holy Week', the week before Easter really mean?

Palm Sunday is the week before Easter and recalls the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem days before his execution.

Holy Monday commemorates his cleansing of the temple and some believe this triggered his arrest and crucifixion.

Holy Tuesday recalls Jesus' description to his disciples on the Mount of Olives of the destruction of Jerusalem.

HolyWednesday (once called SpyWednesday) recalls the decision of Judas to betray Jesus in return for 30 pieces of silver.

Maundy Thursday marks the Last Supper and the arrest of Jesus.

The more familiar Good Friday marks the day Jesus died on the cross. The origins of the word good' have been lost and some claim it is a corruption of God and that the early Christians called this day God's Friday.

Holy Saturday - the eve of Easter - is the final day of Holy Week.

Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. In the early church, converts were baptised into church membership on this day after a lengthy period of instruction. This tradition continues today in some churches.