Good Friday 2024: Understanding the history and significance of the holiday

Good Friday holds deep significance for Christians. From history to why it's called 'Good Friday', here's everything you need to know it

The Friday before Easter is known as Good Friday, a Christian day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus at Calvary. It is observed annually during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum.

Good Friday is also referred to as Holy Friday, Great Friday, and Black Friday.

It is a time for believers to fast, pray, repent, and reflect on the events that led to Jesus' crucifixion.

Good Friday's history dates back to Jesus' arrest by royal soldiers and subsequent sentencing to death by crucifixion. The Bible records Jesus' crucifixion on a Friday, hence the name "Good Friday."

Christians worldwide remember and mourn Jesus' suffering and death on the cross on Good Friday. Many engage in acts of service or charity, viewing Jesus' sacrifice as a selfless act of kindness and love for humanity.

Good Friday is called "good" due to its importance to Christians, symbolising Jesus' sacrifice for humanity's sins before his resurrection on Easter. The term "good" may also come from Old English, meaning "holy," leading to Good Friday also being known as Holy Friday.

Good Friday is recognised as a legal holiday worldwide, with its date varying each year in both the Gregorian and Julian calendars.

In German-speaking regions, Good Friday is commonly known as "Karfreitag," translating to "Mourning Friday."

The Three Hours' Devotion, cantered on Jesus' seven last words from the cross, begins at noon and concludes at 3 pm, symbolising the time of Jesus' death according to Christian tradition.

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