What is Good Friday? History and Significance

Good Friday is marked every year two days prior to Easter by Christian communities all over the world. However, unlike Easter which is celebrated with joy and festivities, Good Friday is observed with meditation and fasting.  

So, before you wish your Christian friend a “Happy Good Friday”, have a look at this blog and know the reason why is Good Friday acknowledged but not celebrated. Let’s get started.

What is Good Friday?

According to the Bible, the Jewish religious authorities took Jesus before the Romans on this day. The previous evening, they accused and condemned Jesus for him asserting that he was the son of God and ruler of the Jews. 

Pontius Pilate forwarded him to Herod and then back to Pilate, who ultimately ordered the execution of Jesus by crucifixion which was the most severe form of punishment for crime at the time. 

After being beaten, Jesus had to drag a large wooden cross through a mob of onlookers before being nailed on the cross by his wrists and feet, where he was hung until his death later that day.

What does Good Friday represent?

Once you know its history, calling this celebration “Good Friday” seems odd, right? However, the term “good” has a distinct connotation. 

According to Christianity, this day designates a day on which the song of God sacrificed himself for the sins of human beings. Thus, on this day, religious observance is held and churches all across the globe mark it as extremely holy and sacred.

The term “Good Friday” is absolutely suitable because it depicts the conclusion of God’s plan to atone for his people’s sins by sacrificing his son Jesus Christ on the cross.

How do you Observe Good Friday?

Good Friday is a day for sombre meditation despite its name. 

Christians reverently remember how Jesus suffered and died for their sins every Friday before Easter. They go to a liturgy that describes the agonising crucifixion of Jesus and even fast to express their grief. According to Catholic.org, Catholic churches bare their altars and mute their bells as a symbol of sorrow and grief on Good Friday.

Conclusion

So, we hope now you know why Good Friday is a serious day and not a celebration like Christmas. It is marked by sacred fasting and Christians even avoid meat consumption. The day is observed as a day of reflection and mourning rather than a lively festival.

According to Bible, even while Jesus was being tortured, he pleaded with God to pardon his executioners and said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

As a result, Good Friday symbolises the elimination of the last obstacle standing between God and mankind, i.e., the ego. If we do not forgive, we do not let go, and hanging onto our resentment distances us even more from God. Therefore, you must learn to forgive people who injure or harm you if you want God to pardon your sins.

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