Good Friday - Definition, meaning, tradition, fact

It comes in the Lent season, and most people avoid their favourite meals and activities during the Lent season. For Example, they avoid eating meat or stop drinking alcohol during this period. It's a form of sacrifice.

Why is it called 'Good' Friday?

Although the death of Jesus is sad news, it is called Good Friday for a reason. Jesus Christ died for humanity to save them from their sins. Therefore he is our Savior. This is good news for humans; the day of his death became known as 'Good' Friday. In every part of the world, it's called different; in some regions, it's called the Sad Friday; in other places, it's called Black Friday, great Friday, and Holy Friday.

How is Good Friday commemorated?

Good Friday is not a day of celebration. It's the death of the Saviour Jesus Christ. Christians spent the day mourning his death. They fast and have to take part in long prayers and hymns. Thanksgiving, holy mass, Vigil service, almsgiving, and reciting the way of the cross are the few activities done on the day. Also, at three in the afternoon, the time of Jesus' death, prayers and the way of the cross had to be done by walking in groups in their locality. Good Friday is a part of the Holy Week. It symbolises Jesus's path with the cross to where he was crucified. It is done in a few denominations of Christianity.

Another Tradition in south India is drinking bitter neem water to symbolise the painful experience Jesus experienced on the cross. He was given neem water when he asked for water from the soldiers.

Catholic churches clear their altar and states of Christ to show his death and burial. Then it's unveiled on the night of Easter to show his resurrection. This year Good Friday is commemorated on March 29, 2024. The date varies yearly and differs in the Eastern and Western regions. It's also a legal holiday around the world. People Wear black in mourning for the burial of Jesus. Christians also tend to abstain from sexual relationships and avoid their favourite dishes from their heir diet.

Good Friday in other parts of the world

Good Friday is commemorated differently in every place. Some of them are:

• In some parts of the world, Christians make dishes like Holy Cross bun and pudding with milk.
• Movies like Passion of the Christ and other films about the life of Jesus Christ are premiered on television.
• People fly kites in Bermuda, which represents the ascension of Jesus into heaven.
• Way of the cross in the church or nearby locality. This remembers Christ's journey with the wooden cross to the Calvary. On the lent of forty days, every Friday, it's recited.

On Good Friday, most people spend it silently and with seriousness. Christians spend most of their time in the church and praying on Good Friday.

History of Jesus' Death

Jews condemned Jesus for claiming to be the Son of God and accusing him of going against the ruler through his sermons and preaches. So, he was brought to Pilates, but he refused to judge him and sent him to Herod. He again sent Jesus to Pilate and sentenced him to crucifixion, the severest punishment for criminals. Many people gave false testimonies and betrayed him behind his back. He was beaten, mocked, stripped naked, and made him walk amidst the crowd half-naked. He was also given a crown made of thrones. Jesus Christ was forced to carry a burdensome wooden cross. Soldiers spitted on him and whipped him with pointed tips. He was finally nailed on the cross along with two bandits. He suffered so much pain to save his people from their sins. He sacrificed his own life. This shows his love for his people. After intense pain, he died, and his last words were, "Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit." The tradition of Good Friday started in the fifteenth century from walking on the Via Dolorosa, a path in Jerusalem believed to be taken by Jesus. This has been a major event for Christians since time immemorial. It's observed with great passion, intensity, and love for the saviour.

The church gives great importance to this day, which is the precedent of the most incredible celebration of Christians. Hence, Good Friday is a Christian tradition celebrated with reverence. Different Christians celebrate it differently depending on their culture.