Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday, the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified or nailed to the Cross. From the days of early Christianity, in fact as far back as the second century Christians have com-memorated Good Friday and this Friday has been marked as a ‘Day of Sorrow’. People do penance and fast on this day.
Why is Good Friday called Good Friday?
If Jesus suffered and died on the cross on this day why is Good Friday called by that name? Here’s why. It is because the story doesn’t end with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Three days later, that is on the Sunday after Good Friday Jesus Christ rose from the dead and triumphed over death. This Sunday is celebrated as Easter/Resurrection Sunday.
The festival which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is called Easter.
Good Friday is also called ‘good’ for despite the sufferings and death of Jesus, people were saved from their sins.
This was all a part of God’s plan. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection gave Christians the promise of eternal salvation.
When Is Good Friday Celebrated?
Good Friday is celebrated on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It generally falls between March 20 and April 23 each year. This year, 2021, Good Friday will be observed on April 2 two days before Easter Sunday on April 4.
How Is Good Friday Celebrated?
Special Good Friday services are held in churches around the world. Many churches have three hour services which is the length of time Jesus spent on the cross. In many churches, people practise the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday. To do this, they bow or kneel before the cross and kiss it.
Good Friday church services also include reading of the ‘Passion’ or the story of Jesus’ death.
Most countries have their own ways of commemorating Good Friday.
In Spain and several other countries, people who feel sorry for their wrongdoings walk through the streets in long robes with hoods, carrying a big cross made of wood.
In Belgium and Mexico, churches are draped in black in memory of Jesus’ sufferings on the cross. In many countries, including the UK, a single person or a group of church people carry a large wooden cross around the streets near the church before the church services begins People of Bermuda observe this day by flying handmade kites symbolising the cross that Jesus died on.
In many countries including Spain,Italy and the Phillipines processions are also a part of Good Friday
Other Good Friday facts
Good Friday has different names across the world such as Easter Friday, Holy Friday, Great Friday, and Silent Friday.
The very first Good Friday was observed on Friday, April 3, A.D. 33.
The Thursday before Good Friday is known as Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday and the following Saturday (before Easter Sunday) is known as Holy Saturday.
In many churches across the world, bells are tolled 33 times in succession to mark Christ’s years on Earth and to commemorate his death.
Hot cross buns are considered to be packed with good luck. It is believed that buns baked on Good Friday never get spoiled and can protect your home from fire.
Sources: Britannica, Wikipedia, K iddle encyclopedia, parentingfirstcry.com
Pix: Internet
Compiled by Nira Diaz