Tenebrae (from Light to Darkness), A Service of Readings and Music

Tenebrae (Latin for “darkness”) is a religious service held during the three days preceding Easter Day, and characterized by gradual extinguishing of candles, and by a “strepitus” or “loud noise” taking place in total darkness near the end of the service. Modern celebrations called Tenebrae may be based for example on the Seven Last Words or readings of the Passion of Jesus.