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Good Friday, also known as God’s Friday and Black Friday, is the day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It falls before Easter and is observed as a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting. As per the Christians, Good Friday is referred to as being ‘good’ because Jesus died for the sins of mankind. This year, Good Friday 2024 will be observed on March 29. The day is followed by Easter on March 31. On this day, Christians across the world celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Keep reading to know more about Good Friday’s history, holiday, and observance.
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What is Good Friday?
Before moving on, let us first learn about what is Good Friday. The New Testament in the Bible states that Jesus Christ was crucified at a place outside Jerusalem called Golgotha. In Aramaic Golgotha is also referred to as the ‘place of the skull’. The day commemorates the day when Jesus was crucified. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Good Friday is a ‘’ day or season observed as holy by the church’’.
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Why is it Called Good Friday?
Have you ever wondered why it is called Good Friday even though it is a day of sorrow. Well, you are not the only one. Good Friday is called ‘good’ because of several reasons? Jesus couldn’t have been resurrected without dying on the cross. The resurrection marks the victory over death and sin and the celebration of Easter. Moreover, it is believed that Jesus died for the sins of mankind. Hence, by dying on the cross he has attained salvation for mankind. As per the Baltimore Catechism, the standard US Catholic school text from 1885 to the 1960s ‘’ Christ showed his great love from a man and purchased for him every blessing’’.
The Story of Good Friday
According to the Bible, the Jewish religious leaders condemned Jesus to be crucified for referring to himself as the ‘Son of God’. Jews considered it to be blasphemy. However, they did not have the authority to confer death sentences on anyone. Hence, they brought Jesus to the Romans. Jesus was sent to Pontius Pilate who sent him to King Herod. Jesus was Galilean and was under Herod’s jurisdiction. Hence, this decision was made.
King Herod expected to see some miracle from Jesus. When Jesus did not perform any miracle for Herod he was sent back to Pontius Pilate who then offered the choice between Jesus and Barabas to the people. It was a custom to release a prisoner that day. However, the people chose the release of Barabas and the crucifixion of Christ.
When Pontius Pilate found out that a riot was about to happen he washed his hands stating ‘’I am innocent of this man’s blood. See it for yourselves’’.
Crucifixion was one of the highest forms of criminal punishment. Jesus was then beaten, forced to carry a heavy cross among the crowd and was finally nailed to the cross by his wrists and feet, where he was hung until he died that day.
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When was Good Friday Established?
Good Friday is one of the oldest Christian holidays and has been observed since 100 CE. The day has been observed with fasting since the fourth century CE.
How is Good Friday Observed?
Good Friday is observed with fasting and praying. People from several countries observe the anniversary of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death. Christians attend a mass or holy service on this day to recount the crucifixion of Christ. Some people refrain from eating to show their sorrow. Catholic churches strip their altars bare and cover the Church bells as a sign of mourning.
Church services are held around noon or midday to 3 pm. Many churches re-enact the procession of the cross as the rituals for the stations of the cross. Processions are held in countries such as India, Italy, Malta, Spain, and the Philippines.
Handmade Kites are flown in Bermuda to symbolize the cross where Jesus died and his ascension into heaven. The custom has been practiced since the 19th century. Churches in Belgium and Mexico are covered with black cloth. A general day of sadness can be seen in the towns and villages. In Poland, many Christians fast on dry bread and roasted potatoes. Decorating the egg is also a part of the Easter preparations.
The day is followed by Easter. Soon Christians turn to happier festivities. As Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ.
Also Read- Christmas Traditions and Celebrations Around the World
Good Friday Quote
10+ Facts About Good Friday You Must Know About
These are some facts about Good Friday you need to know about.
- Depending on the Lunar Calendar, the Good Friday can fall between March 20 and April 23.
- The term “Good” in Good Friday means holiness and not happiness.
- Many Christians do not eat meat on Good Friday because of fasting.
- Certain people do not use technology between noon and 3 p.m to reflect on the crucifixion of Christ.
- In the United States it is not a federal holiday. However, 12 states observe it as a state holiday.
- In certain regions, animals like capybaras are considered “fish”. Therefore, they are eaten on Good Friday.
- Filet-O-Fish sales increase during the season of Lent, particularly Good Friday.
- It is part of the Tirduum-the 3 day period that can lead to Easter Sunday.
- In Bermuda people fly kits to symbols the ascension of Christ.
- In Germany laws do not allow dancing and other public festivities on Good Friday.
- In philippines devottes re-inact the curciixion- this includes actual nailing to crosses.
- The stations of the cross is a common Good Friday devotion. The stations reflect the path to Crucifixion.
What are the Stations of the Cross:The Good Friday Prayer?
- The 14 Stations of the Cross are also known as the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis. It is a devotional practice of Christians that commemorates the last day of Jesus on Earth as a man. The following are the 14 stations of the Cross.
- Jesus is condemned to death
- Jesus takes up His cross
- Jesus falls for the first time
- Jesus meets His Blessed Mother
- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross
- Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
- Jesus falls the second time
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
- Jesus falls the third time
- Jesus is stripped of His garments
- Jesus is nailed to the cross
- Jesus dies on the cross
- Jesus is taken down from the cross
- Jesus is laid in the tomb
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FAQs
Good Friday is a day that commemorates the death of Jesus Christ on the Calvary. The day is called ‘good’ because it ultimately led to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Thus, Easter is celebrated on the following Sunday.
Good Friday is a sad day. In German, it is called Karfreitag, or the Sorrowful Friday.
No. Good Friday is not a day to greet each other. Hence, it would be wrong to say Happy Good Friday.
Yes. Jesus was crucified on Good Friday. On this day, Jesus died. Good Friday commemorates the death of Jesus on the cross. It is a day to reflect the sacrifice of Jesus for the cause of humanity.
Easter originates from the Old English World “Ēastre” or “Ēostre,” . It referred to the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. The other is the Christian designation for the week of Easter as “in albis”.
Good Friday is a sorrowful day that commemorates the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The day is observed worldwide as a day of mourning. In several countries, it is a holiday. It will be followed by Easter or the resurrection of Christ. To discover more articles like this visit Leverage Edu.
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