The office of darkness

Fifteen candles, extinguished one by one.

Tenebrae — Latin for darkness — is the ancient form of Matins and Lauds for the last three days of Holy Week. A triangular stand of fifteen candles is extinguished one at a time through the psalms until a single candle remains, and it is hidden. Then a loud noise, and everyone leaves in silence.

The Shape of the Office

1. Psalms and readings are sung, chiefly the Lamentations of Jeremiah.
2. After each psalm, one candle is extinguished.
3. At the end only the topmost candle remains lit; it is hidden behind the altar.
4. The Miserere — Psalm 51 — is sung in near-total darkness.
5. The strepitus: a sudden loud noise, recalling the earthquake at Christ’s death.
6. The hidden candle is brought back, and all depart in silence.

From the Lamentations

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, be converted to the Lord your God.

About This Office

The single candle that is hidden and then returned is Christ: apparently extinguished, in fact only hidden, and brought back. Nothing is explained during the service — the liturgy simply does it, in the dark, and lets the congregation work it out.

Many cathedrals and some parishes have revived Tenebrae, usually on the Wednesday of Holy Week. If yours does, go once.