Why Is Good Friday Celebrated?

Good Friday plays an important role in the Christian religion. We explain why it is so important and what traditions and customs there are on that day. It is a day of remembrance, pause and tradition. A lot of people outside the community wonder why is good Friday celebrated because the name itself can be a little confusing to other religions. Let’s explain.

In simple terms, Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Jesus was nailed to the cross in Jerusalem and died. To reflect on this, Christians pray and fast that day. Now, Is the name confusing? Let us uncomplicate that and clarify why is good Friday celebrated.

What is the meaning of Good Friday?

Good Friday commemorates the time of suffering and the death of Jesus Christ. On this day, believers commemorate the agonizing crucifixion and subsequent death on the cross of the Son of God on the Calvary hill in today’s Jerusalem.

Jesus was accused by the high priests of blasphemy and condemned by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate as a troublemaker. As a result, he was nailed to the cross as a punishment which was a common method of execution at the time. According to the Bible, Jesus voluntarily took on the sins of the world with his death and thus paved the way for people to God and thus to eternal life.

How do Christians celebrate Good Friday?

The church bells remain silent until Easter night on Easter Sunday. That is why the day is also considered a silent holiday. Good Friday prohibits dancing, which is why no dancing or sporting events are allowed.

Services on this day are marked by mourning. A service usually takes place at 3 p.m. because this time is considered the traditional hour of Jesus’ death. The focus of the Good Friday services is the solemn veneration of the cross. In addition to prayers, this includes the gradual unveiling and elevation of a cross.

There is also the custom of holding devotions on Good Friday. The suffering and death of Jesus is commemorated through 14 stations. From the condemnation by Pontius Pilate to the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. The pictorial representations are displayed to depict the passion story.

Evangelical Christians celebrate Good Friday as a prayer for the death of Jesus. The bells of the churches remain silent from Good Friday until Easter, but in some congregations the bells ring on Good Friday at 3:00 p.m. on the hour of Jesus’ death. At the center of the memory is that Jesus took on the sins of men.

Why do people often eat fish on Good Friday?

During Lent , which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter night, believers do not eat meat on Wednesdays and Fridays. This rule is based on the fact that Jesus was betrayed on a Wednesday and crucified on a Friday. With this tradition, Christians start preparing for Easter.

Good Friday is the highlight of Lent. On this day, believers are allowed a one-time saturation and two small fortifications and they do without meat and alcohol altogether. Fish, however, is allowed. With this, believers also commemorate Jesus, since fish are symbols of the Christian faith. That is why some Christians traditionally eat fish not only on Good Friday before Easter, but also on other Fridays.

Also Read: Why Is Thanksgiving Day Celebrated

What are the Good Friday customs in the world?

In the Philippines, the tradition of re-creating the last walk of Jesus Christ is taken on extreme proportions. In San Pedro Cutud, men walk barefoot with wooden crosses through the streets or bloody their backs with whips. Some wear crowns of thorns. In San Juan, actors wear ancient soldiers’ costumes to accompany the participants to the cross. Helpers drive nails through the palms and feet of the men who rest on small supports. The giant crosses are then erected. The Catholic Church has been criticizing this bloody custom for years. 

Germany celebrates Good Friday colorfully but seriously. Members of the Catholic Italian community walk through the city dressed in historical and colorful robes that day. This tradition started small and has since developed into a magnet for viewers.

In Greece and Cyprus, masses that last several hours are celebrated in all churches throughout the Easter week. On Good Friday there is a procession through the streets of the community. Even secular people go to church at Easter. The holidays are spent with the family.

Now, you know Why is Good Friday celebrated and how it is celebrated in various regions.