- Good Friday traditionally marks one of the most crucial moments in Christian history: the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While the exact date is up for debate, it is generally understood that it was on Friday that Jesus died on the cross after being arrested, whipped and interrogated. While suffering on the cross, Christ uttered seven sayings that form the basis of Lenten and Easter worship services.
It is included in a line of holidays that also includes Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday and Holy Saturday, which all lead up to the celebration of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Christ. - There are a number of historical mentions and records that have helped to pinpoint the exact day and year of the crucifixion of Christ. Secular histories such as the Roman Tacitus and the Jewish Josephus both mention the crucifixion in their works, but only in passing, and not with a definite date.
Pontius Pilate, the governor responsible for Christ's crucifixion, held office between AD 26 and AD 36, and the crucifixion is referred to having taken place on a Friday near Passover. Theories that the crucifixion took place on a Wednesday or Thursday have also been put forward, but have received no real credence. Gospels specify that the date was just prior to the Preparation of the Passover.
It wasn't until Issac Newton that there was an attempt to pinpoint the exact day and year. Using the phases of the moon to calculate the differences between calendars, he determined the date to be Friday, April 23, AD 34. However, later calculations have set the date at Friday, April 3, AD 33 and subsequent computer calculations have verified this later date. - The exact location of the events that are remembered every year on Good Friday are also up for debate. According to historical and biblical reference, the crucifixion took place somewhere outside the walls of the city, and in an area that was easily seen by individuals for miles around.
There are two sites that are usually associated with the site of the crucifixion. One is in Jerusalem, and there is now a church built on the site. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been built there, on the grounds of the alleged tomb of Christ and Golgotha's Rock, a piece of the rock thought to be of the original ground seen at the time of the crucifixion.
North of Jerusalem is an area called the Garden Tomb. It is located outside the city walls, and while there has been archaeological discoveries there indicating that it was, in fact a burial ground, it is still up for debate on whether or not the burials were from the right era. - Different branches of Christianity have their own ways of observing the traditions of Good Friday.
In the Roman Catholic Church, an important feature of the Good Friday mass is the Acts of Reparation to Jesus Christ, where an attempt is made to repair those sins that have been committed against Christ. In many Roman Catholic countries, there are also parades, processions and plays that are held in honor of the day.
In the Byzantine tradition, church hangings are changed to black on this day. Holy and Great Friday, as it is called, is seen as a sorrowful occasion where church members are expected to remember the tragedy that the day has seen. Fasting is an important part of the day, as is the singing of hymns.
Protestant tradition dictated a day away from worldly acts and possessions, and that it should be dedicated instead to remembrance.
Lutheran traditions often honor the events traditionally assigned to Good Friday instead on Maundy Thursday, to commemorate the Last Supper rather than the crucifixion. - There are also a number of different traditions that are associated with Good Friday. Often, these traditions vary by country.
In many countries, Good Friday is considered either a public or bank holiday, with many businesses and schools being closed in observance of the celebration. One notable exception to this rule is the United States, where all government businesses still operate, there is to regulation on the closing of businesses, and most public schools remain in session.
In Bermuda, the flying of kites is used to signify the cross on which Christ died and the way in which he rose to heaven.
In some countries, such as Sweden, even individuals who are not particularly religious use Good Friday as a time to meet with family and friends that are not often seen.
Most celebrations have a somber tone of remembrance and regret, but also of hope.
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