Good Friday is a Christian holy day observing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is a day of mourning and reflection for Christians, who believe that Jesus's death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins. The day is marked by fasting, prayer, and church services, with some churches holding a liturgy of the Word, veneration of the cross, and communion. Good Friday is considered a significant day on the Christian calendar as it celebrates what Christians believe to be the most pivotal day in the history of the world, paving the way for the salvation of believers.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Date | The Friday before Easter |
Observance | Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ |
Other Names | Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday, Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord, Great and Holy Friday, Karfreitag, Sorrowful Friday, God's Friday |
Activities | Fasting, prayer, church services, re-enactment of the procession of the cross, egg decorating |
Symbol | Crucifix |
What You'll Learn
Good Friday is a Christian holy day
Good Friday is observed by members of many Christian denominations, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Oriental Orthodox, United Protestant, and some Reformed traditions. The day is marked by fasting and church services, with the Service of the Great Three Hours' Agony held from noon until 3 pm—the hours the Bible records darkness covering the land until Jesus' death on the cross.
The date of Good Friday varies annually, falling on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which is calculated differently in Eastern and Western Christianity. However, it always falls between March 20 and April 23.
Good Friday is a widely recognised legal holiday around the world, with many countries observing it as a public or federal holiday. The day is marked by solemn traditions, including processions, the re-enactment of the cross, and the flying of kites to symbolise Jesus' ascension.
The term "Good Friday" is derived from the sense of "pious" or "holy" associated with the word "good". It signifies the sanctity of the day, as it represents God's act of salvation for humanity through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ.
Good Friday is a significant day for Christians, as it celebrates the pivotal event that paved the way for the salvation of believers. It is a time for reflection on Jesus' crucifixion and death, as well as the hope of the resurrection.
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It observes the crucifixion of Jesus
Good Friday is a Christian holy day that observes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum. It is also known as Black Friday, Holy Friday, Great Friday, Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord, and Great and Holy Friday.
Good Friday is a significant day for Christians as it commemorates what is believed to be the most important weekend in history. Christians believe that Jesus' death and resurrection are the decisive turning point for all creation.
On Good Friday, Christians remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for their sins. According to the Gospels, Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper with His disciples and put on trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, who sentenced Him to crucifixion at the demand of the chief Jewish priests.
Jesus was then beaten by Roman soldiers and forced to carry His cross to the place of execution, known as Calvary or Golgotha ("the place of the skull" in Hebrew and Latin). He was crucified alongside two criminals, and soldiers nailed Him to the cross, placing a sign above His head that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."
From noon until about 3 pm, darkness fell over the land. Jesus uttered His final words, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit," and then He died. The curtain of the temple was torn in two, and there was a great earthquake.
Good Friday is a day of mourning and reflection for Christians, remembering Jesus' sacrifice and God's love. It is also a day of hope, reminding believers that even in the darkest times, there is light ahead. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and opened the way for eternal life for all who believe in Him.
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It is a day of fasting and prayer
Good Friday is a Christian holy day observing the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is a day of fasting and prayer for many Christian denominations, including the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Oriental Orthodox, United Protestant, and some Reformed traditions.
Fasting is a way of exercising self-control and dethroning one's human appetites, while also aspiring to a new level of intimacy with and devotion to God. Fasting and prayer go together beautifully, and Good Friday is a day when Christians can focus their hearts and minds more fully on God.
Many Christians observe Good Friday as a day of strict fasting and prayer. The physical act of fasting involves abstaining from food or activity to devote that time to prayer. Christians may fast and pray on Good Friday to focus on the suffering and sacrifice of the Lord and to refocus their attention on God the Father. Fasting on Good Friday is a way to unite one's focus with Christ.
The Byzantine Christians, for example, observe Good Friday as an absolute fast, and adult members are expected to abstain from all food and drink for the entire day, to the extent that their health permits. In the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 to 59, and members are permitted to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal.
Good Friday is also a day of prayer for Christians. In the Roman Catholic Church, a liturgy is performed on Good Friday, which includes the reading of the Gospel Passion narrative, the adoration of the cross, and Communion. In the Anglican Communion, The Book of Common Prayer provides for a Good Friday reception of the "reserved sacrament", the consumption of bread and wine that was consecrated the previous day. In addition, a variety of liturgical services are held on Good Friday in other Protestant churches.
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It is also known as Black Friday
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is also known as Black Friday. It is a Christian holy day observing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The day is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum.
Good Friday is a sombre occasion, marking the day Jesus was crucified and died at Calvary. It is a day of mourning and reflection for Christians, remembering the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity and the power of God's love and promise of eternal life.
The term 'Good Friday' is derived from the sense 'pious' or 'holy' of the word 'good'. The day is also referred to as 'Black Friday' because of the darkness and sorrow associated with Jesus' crucifixion and death.
The day is observed with fasting and church services by members of many Christian denominations, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Oriental Orthodox, United Protestant, and some Reformed traditions. In many churches, the Service of the Great Three Hours' Agony is held from noon until 3 p.m., marking the hours of darkness that covered the land until Jesus' death on the cross.
Good Friday is a widely recognised legal holiday around the world, including in most Western countries and several U.S. states. Some predominantly Christian countries have laws prohibiting certain acts, such as public dancing and horse racing, to commemorate the solemn nature of the day.
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It is a widely instituted legal holiday
Good Friday is a widely instituted legal holiday around the world, including in most Western countries and 12 U.S. states. In the United States, the following states observe Good Friday as a state holiday: Connecticut, Texas, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Florida.
In some predominantly Christian countries, such as Germany, there are laws prohibiting certain acts—including public dancing and horse racing—in remembrance of the sombre nature of Good Friday. In the southern German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, bans on public dancing and music in bars are in place from Maundy Thursday to Easter Saturday.
Good Friday is a public holiday in all German states. Post offices, banks, stores, and other businesses are closed. However, some tourist stores may be open, and stores at transportation hubs usually remain open. Public transport services may run as usual, a reduced service, or no service, depending on the location.
Good Friday is a day of mandatory school closure in New Zealand and all Australian states except the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. In the United Kingdom, Good Friday is recognised as an official bank holiday, and all state schools are closed. However, many retail stores remain open.
In Canada, Good Friday is a federal statutory holiday. Employers in Quebec can choose to give employees the day off on Good Friday or Easter Monday.
In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, Good Friday is a public holiday during which church bells are not rung and masses are not celebrated. Malls, shops, and restaurants are generally closed.
In Cuba, Good Friday was declared an annual holiday in 2012 at the request of Pope Benedict XVI.
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Frequently asked questions
Good Friday is a Christian holy day observing the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary.
The origin of the name is debated. Some believe it stems from "God's Friday", while others say it's derived from the sense of "good" meaning "pious" or "holy".
Good Friday is always the Friday before Easter.
Many Christian denominations observe Good Friday with fasting and church services. Some churches hold a Service of the Great Three Hours' Agony from noon until 3 pm—the hours Jesus hung on the cross.
Good Friday is a day of reflection on the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It recalls the most important event that paved the way for the salvation of believers.