Good Friday 2024: Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus on the hill of Calvary, just outside the walls of Jerusalem. It falls on the Friday preceding Easter in 2024, which is March 29. The majority of Christian denominations observe Good Friday as a holy day, with many Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, and Lutherans fasting and attending church services. However, there is so much more to this holiday than these religious observances. Good Friday is a deeply personal day of prayer and devotion for many. Let’s look more closely.
HISTORY OF GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday is a Christian religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Calvary. The holiday is considered part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, which occurs during Holy Week. Additionally known as Good Friday, Black Friday, and Holy Friday. Good Friday is a national holiday in many countries around the world, particularly Catholic and Anglican nations. This solemn day is traditionally observed with fasting and solemn processions.
Good Friday’s exact origins are unknown, but the celebration dates back to the fourth century. An ancient practise for mourning the death of Jesus is fasting and self-restraint. Also unknown is why the holiday is known as Good Friday, although several theories exist. Some believe that ‘God’s Friday’ evolved into ‘Good Friday,’ while religious adherents are adamant that the day is named ‘good’ as a symbol of Jesus and all that he stood for against evildoers. Additionally, it is widely believed that Jesus died on a Friday, but this does not explain the addition of the word “good” to the holiday.
Jesus laid down his life out of love for his followers and for all of humanity. His death represented the supreme sacrifice. Despite being a terrible day in history, the event paved the way for the salvation of mankind, as Jesus rose from the dead two days later.
HOW TO CELEBRATE FRIDAY
Pray
Numerous Christian churches hold prayer services during Christ’s crucifixion hours. Numerous religious individuals observe a period of prayerful silence during this time, particularly between noon and 3 p.m.
Fast
Depending on your Christian denomination, Good Friday fasting may be appropriate. For instance, it is a traditional day of fasting within the Catholic Church.
Volunteer
Jesus emphasised the importance of assisting those less fortunate than ourselves. Consider volunteering at your church or in your community on this day, if your religious beliefs permit it, in the spirit of giving back.
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5 GOOD FRIDAY ODDITIES
The term “Good Friday” is centuries old.
The name “Good Friday” was first recorded in a text titled “The South English Legend” around the year 1290.
Go and fly a kite.
On Good Friday, it is customary in Bermuda to fly a kite, which symbolises both the cross and Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
Darkness
When Jesus was crucified, according to Christian tradition, there was darkness across the land and a violent earthquake.
Blessed cross buns
On Good Friday, it is customary to consume hot sweet cross buns, which supposedly brings good fortune.
Take up the scissors!
According to a widespread superstition, a haircut on Good Friday prevents headaches for the remainder of the year.
WHY GOOD FRIDAY IS IMPORTANT
It’s a religious holiday
Jesus was forced to carry his cross to Calvary, where he and two criminals were crucified. He remained on the cross for approximately six hours. According to biblical tradition, the sky became dark between noon and 3 p.m. on that day.
We are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus
According to Christian doctrine, Jesus was born to a virgin, Mary. As an adult, he became a preacher and performed miracles before being executed by authorities. This sacrifice enabled Christians’ sins to be forgiven or pardoned.
Jesus was historically real
Jesus was a historical figure, according to virtually every scholar of antiquity. According to Bart Ehrman, an expert on the New Testament, “virtually every competent ancient historian, Christian or non-Christian, concurs that (Jesus) existed.”
GOOD FRIDAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | April 2 | Friday |
| 2022 | April 15 | Friday |
| 2023 | April 7 | Friday |
| 2024 | March 29 | Friday |
| 2025 | April 18 | Friday |
