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History of Good Friday

Mukulika Mukherjee
Good Friday commemorates the sacrifice of the 'Son of God' to save humanity from sin. Christians worldwide honor Jesus' suffering and thank Him for mankind's redemption.
It is widely accepted that Jesus' crucifixion occurred on April 3, 33 AD. However, physicist and mathematician Sir Isaac Newton argued that the actual year was 34 AD.
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus, observed annually on the last Friday before Easter, concluding the Holy Week.
Good Friday, part of the 'Triduum,' remembers Jesus Christ's sacrifice for humanity's redemption, from the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Thursday to Easter Sunday.
During Holy Week and on Good Friday, fasting and abstaining from meat are observed. Good Friday, known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday, and Easter Friday, is a solemn day.
'Good Friday' likely comes from the Germanic 'Gute Freitag,' meaning 'holy' Friday. It wasn't until the 4th century AD that it was recognized as a day to remember Jesus' sacrifice.
Origin and Early History
Another possibility is that, earlier, this day was called 'God's Friday', and over time, came to be known as it is known today. However, some are of the opinion that this day was always referred to as the 'Holy' or 'Great Friday'..
As far as its early history is concerned, it is believed that since 1st century AD, it was the tradition of the Church to observe every Friday as a special day meant for prayer and fasting. 
Jesus was proclaimed King of the Jews upon returning to Jerusalem after fasting in the desert for 40 days, which concerned Jewish religious leaders.
Significance of Good Friday
They conspired against Him, accusing Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. Since they hadn't seen Him, they paid Judas, His disciple, to help the Temple Guards identify Him.
Unfortunately, Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. One day, when Jesus and his disciples were in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was identified, arrested, and later condemned to death by crucifixion.
Jesus carried the cross to Calvary, where He was crucified along with two criminals. Jesus endured suffering for six hours on the cross before his death. After His death on the cross, his secret follower Joseph decided to give Him a proper funeral.
He took the body of Jesus, covered it with a clean cloak, and placed it in a new tomb carved on a rock. Then, as per Jewish tradition, he closed the opening of the tomb with a huge stone and went home. After two days, on the Sunday that is now celebrated as Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead.
Traditions and Rituals
The rituals on Good Friday differ significantly from those on other days. The church altar appears bare, and priests wear black vestments symbolizing mourning for the death of the Son of God.
Silent church bells and no weddings during Holy Week. Only Baptism, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick are conducted. Good Friday services include the Liturgy, Stations of the Cross, and Acts of Reparation.
The clergy silently enter the church, and the service starts with chanting the Passion account from the Gospel of John, including Jesus' last seven phrases. This is called the Liturgy of the Word.
The Liturgy
The next ritual is the Veneration of the Cross, wherein, a cross is displayed, which is venerated by the people by kneeling before it. The third ritual is that of the Holy Communion, after which everyone leaves the church in silence.
'The Stations of the Cross' recalls fourteen events of Christ's crucifixion. Participants reenact His journey to Calvary, chanting prayers and hymns.
The Stations of the Cross
The Acts of Reparation include specific prayers and chants to make amends for Christ's sufferings. It's a Catholic tradition where the faithful pray to repair sins and insults against Jesus Christ.
The Acts of Reparation

Good Friday Yearly Dates

  • 2019 : April 19
  • 2020 : April 10
  • 2021 : April 2
  • 2022 : April 15
  • 2023 : April 7
In most Christian dominated countries around the world, Good Friday is a Federal/public holiday. In the United States, it is not a Federal government holiday, but is observed as a state holiday in as many as 12 states. In the United Kingdom, it is an official public holiday.
Good Friday is observed in different ways in different parts of the world. However, the spirit of Good Friday is universal, and it speaks about the love of God. So, even if it is the most somber day in the Christian calendar, it is an occasion to thank the Lord and rejoice in His love.