The Friday before Easter is a sacred one for Christians. Known as Good Friday, it is a Christian holy day held in honor and remembrance of Jesus’s death on the cross. It is held after Maundy Thursday, which recalls the Last Supper, and on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
It is the day on which Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, prior to when he was believed to have been resurrected.
The holy day will be observed on April 19 this year.
While the name Good Friday isn’t mentioned in the Bible, the religious text tells the story of how Christ was beaten and mocked by Roman soldiers before being made to carry a cross to the site of his subsequent crucifixion.
History & Significance of Good Friday
Jesus’s death was a gruesome one. Jesus was nailed to and hung on the cross. Crucifixion is one of the most pain ways to be killed and was reserved for the worst of the worst in Roman times.
For Christians, Jesus’s death is one of the most important parts in the Bible. In dying, Christians believe Jesus took on all the sins of the world and thus it is only through his death (a perfect sacrifice), that people are redeemed and allowed to enter into heaven.
Why is it known as ‘Good’ Friday?
Due to the events commemorated on the holy day, some might question why it’s known as “Good” Friday.
Rather than indicating that the day is a joyous occasion, the “good” in Good Friday actually comes from the antiquated definition of the word, meaning “pious” or “holy”.
Good Friday Observance
For Christians across the world, Good Friday is observed as a day for solemn mourning. On Good Friday, people keep fasts and pray to the Lord. It’s a day of repentance and reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifices. Church services are organised around noon or midday to 3 PM. To observe this day, all the decorations from the statues are removed. The priests are dressed in black robes.
Most Christians refuse to eat meat on Good Friday and traditionally hot cross buns are baked on this day.
