Individuals across the world are all into the celebration of Holy Week.  The days are commemorated during Lent before the important Christian festivity, Easter Sunday. This year Holy Week began on March 25 with the Palm Sunday followed by Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. As the week proceeds to Easter Sunday, which this year falls on April 1, devotees are gearing up to celebrate Good Friday. It is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and died in Calvary.

The followers observe this solemn day with humility and reverence by remembering the passion and sacrifice of Christ. Good Friday also marks the start of the Easter long weekend. This year Good Friday will be celebrated on March 30.

Representational Image (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

History and Significance of Good Friday - What happened on this day? 

Good Friday is observed because the date marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. In different traditions, the date is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday and even Easter Friday. It is believed that he bore the sacrifice on behalf of the rest of humankind and is considered the bridge between God and mortals. It is written in the Gospel that Judas, one of the twelve disciples of Christ, betrayed him for thirty silver coins to the Sanhedrin. Christ was sentenced to death and crucified with two criminals.

Three days later, Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead, on Easter Sunday. There are several theories as to why it is known as Good Friday. Experts believe the event has been coined “Good Friday” because the word “good” means pious or holy.

Good Friday Celebrations  

Good Friday celebrations are marked by a sorrowful tone recalling the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Churches hold services, but bells are not rung. Individuals spend the day fasting, meditating and remembering Christ through their prayers.

Good Friday is celebrated in different ways across the world. In some traditions fasting is for all and is not mandatory but one meal is considered important, others don’t eat meat and fish is traditionally eaten. Churches around the world are draped in black and processions are held. Again, Hot Cross Buns are a delicacy and it marks the end of Lent. Let us all remember the sacrifice of Jesus!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2018 12:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).