low sunday
C1Formal / Liturgical
Definition
Meaning
The Sunday after Easter Sunday.
The first Sunday following Easter Day in the Christian liturgical calendar; sometimes called Quasimodo Sunday. It is considered 'low' in contrast to the 'high' celebration of Easter itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a fixed, historical term from the Christian ecclesiastical calendar. It is not used in a literal sense to describe a 'low' or unimportant Sunday in general. Its use is primarily within religious contexts and historical texts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally recognisable in liturgical contexts in both the UK and US.
Connotations
Religious, historical, formal.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday language. Used almost exclusively within Christian liturgical communities and historical discussions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Low Sunday follows Easter Sunday.The festival on Low Sunday...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or liturgical studies.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of specific church communities.
Technical
Liturgical calendar terminology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Low Sunday service is traditionally less elaborate.
American English
- They attended the Low Sunday mass.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Easter was last week. This Sunday is Low Sunday.
- In the Christian calendar, the Sunday immediately after Easter is known as Low Sunday.
- The octave of Easter concludes with Low Sunday, a day of subdued reflection following the preceding week's festivities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Easter is the 'high' point, so the next Sunday is 'low' by comparison.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIGH/LOW (INTENSITY): Easter is a high celebration; the following Sunday is lower in liturgical intensity.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'низкое воскресенье'. Use the established term 'Антипасха' or 'Фомино воскресенье' (Thomas Sunday).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Low Sunday' to describe any quiet or uneventful Sunday.
- Capitalising incorrectly (should be capitalised as it's a proper name for a day).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for the term 'Low Sunday'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in many Christian traditions, Low Sunday is also called Thomas Sunday, commemorating the Apostle Thomas's encounter with the risen Christ.
It contrasts with the 'High' celebration of Easter Sunday, indicating a return to the ordinary liturgical tone.
It is observed as a regular Sunday in the liturgical calendar, but without the specific, intense celebrations associated with Easter.
No, Low Sunday is not a public holiday in any country.