What is 'Good Friday' all about? Know more about the day right here

Remember all those sacrifices during the freedom struggle. We call it sacrifice, in order to acquire freedom. Jesus, long time back, had it for us, a sacrifice to acquire humanity.

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. 

Christians around the world observe Good Friday as the day when Jesus Christ died on the cross for humanity so that he could save them from their sins. Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross and commemoration of Christ's death reminds us of the human sin that caused this death.

Jesus Christ was sentenced to death "because he claimed to be God's son."

The etymology of the term ‘good’ in Good Friday is contested in various circles. While some say ‘good’ means holy, others say that it is a modification of ‘God Friday.’ However, many believe it is an appropriate term since it denotes that Christ suffered and died for his people.

Also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday, or Easter Friday, it is a widely instituted legal holiday in many national governments around the world, including Anglican and Catholic nations as well as in 12 US states. 

It is an observance that involves people fasting and praying. Many church services are held in the afternoon, usually around noon or midday to 3 pm, to remember the hours when Jesus hung on the cross.

People remember Christ’s death with hymns, thanksgiving prayers, talk about the special significance that the day holds and observe the Lord’s Supper.

How come a particular eve can't have its special treat involved?

Catholics do not eat meat on Good Friday but can eat fish instead and it is also customary to eat warm hot cross buns. They normally fast on this day unless they have health issues or are below the prescribed age.

Protestants, on the other hand, do not have food restrictions on Good Friday but many follow the ‘no meat’ rule like the Catholics.

What Indians prepare for the day?

The eve of Good Friday saw special prayers at various churches in Panaji, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kolkata on Maundy Thursday which comes before Easter.

In India, on this day Christian community attends their nearby churches to offer prayers to Jesus. Some people fast for the whole day, some people exclude meat from their diet on this day and some people involve in the parade, play activities and etc.