Image: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Christians, like followers of other religions worldwide, have special days on their calendar each year.
One such occasion in the Gregorian calendar is Easter, during which believers engage in various activities to honor the event.
The observance begins on Palm Sunday, marking Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The entire week, known as Holy Week to Easter-observing Christians, concludes with the commemoration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, described in the New Testament to have occurred on the third day after his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary around 30 AD.
Good Friday, observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum, commemorates Jesus' crucifixion and death at Calvary.
However, some countries do not recognize this day due to their predominant religious beliefs, such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, Sikhism, and Taoism.
Many nations with Muslim-majority populations prohibit the practice of any religion other than Islam.
Here are some examples:
Somalia: The constitution declares Islam as the state religion, prohibiting the propagation of any other religion and requiring all laws to comply with Sharia.
Mauritania: Islam is the state religion, with blasphemy and apostasy punishable by death, although the penalty has not been applied.
Algeria: Islam is the state religion, with Sunni Muslims comprising the majority of the population.
Libya: Islam is the state religion, with the Constitutional Declaration recognizing the freedom of Christians and Jews to practice their religions.
China: Buddhism is widely practiced, while other religions, including Christianity, Taoism, and Islam, are also present, although there are no official holidays for them.
Uzbekistan: Sunni Islam dominates, and practicing any other religion is banned.
Kazakhstan: Christian activities are prohibited, with Islam being the dominant religion.
South Korea: While Christmas and Western New Year are celebrated, Holy Week is not widely observed.
Japan: Shintoism is the predominant religion, with various religious celebrations but no observance of Holy Week.
Qatar: Christianity is not widely practiced, with the majority of the population adhering to Islam.
Vietnam: Buddhism is the most widespread religion, followed by Confucianism and Taoism.
In African countries with Christian-majority populations, Holy Week is celebrated with national holidays, church services, and festivities.
