Good Friday is a significant day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is observed during Holy Week on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is a solemn day of reflection and prayer for Christians worldwide.

Table of Contents

1. When is Good Friday?
2. The History of Good Friday
3. What Do People Do on Good Friday?
4. What is Christianity?

When is Good Friday?

Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Its exact date changes each year because it is based on the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.

The following is the list of Good Friday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Good Friday

The history of Good Friday is deeply rooted in Christian tradition, marking one of the most pivotal events in Christian theology: the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

The events of Good Friday are recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Jesus was arrested after the Last Supper, tried before Jewish and Roman authorities, and ultimately sentenced to death by crucifixion. He was crucified at a site called Golgotha (Calvary) around 30-33 CE.

The term "Good Friday" likely evolved from "God's Friday" or an old usage of "good" meaning "holy" or "pious." In some languages, the day is referred to as "Holy Friday".

Early Christians began observing the death and resurrection of Jesus as a combined celebration, with Good Friday eventually becoming a distinct day of solemnity by the 4th century. The First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE formalized the dating of Easter, indirectly influencing Good Friday's observance.

During the Middle Ages, elaborate liturgies were developed, including the veneration of the cross and the reading of the Passion story. Public dramatizations of Jesus' Passion and processions became common in Catholic regions, many of which continue today.

Today, Good Friday is observed by Christians worldwide, each tradition reflecting its unique historical and cultural context. Common observances include somber church services, prayer, fasting, and public processions.

What Do People Do on Good Friday?

Good Friday has transformed from a day of silent mourning into a globally observed religious and cultural event, maintaining its central theme of sacrifice, redemption, and hope.

Many people attend special Good Friday liturgies in church services, often centered around readings of the Passion story. Some Christians spend time in personal or communal prayer, meditating on the significance of Jesus' suffering and death, while some Catholics and other Christians may observe fasting and abstain from meat as a sign of penance.

Good Friday is a public holiday in many countries. Businesses and schools often close, giving people time to participate in religious activities. In some areas, vegetarian and simple meals are prepared.

Nowadays, with the rise of digital platforms, many churches offer online Good Friday services for those unable to attend in person.

People may try to avoid celebrations, parties or loud activities. In many places, some work and leisure activities are minimized or restricted.

What is Christianity?

Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion, professing that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and is the Son of God, whose coming as the Messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible and chronicled in the New Testament. It is the world's largest and most widespread religion with over 2.38 billion followers, comprising around 31.2% of the world population. Its adherents, known as Christians, are estimated to make up a majority of the population in 157 countries and territories.

Christianity shares its origins with Judaism and Islam, tracing its spiritual lineage to Abraham, a key figure in the Hebrew Bible. Central to Christianity is the belief that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and rose from the dead, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Christians regard Jesus as the divine Son of God, emphasizing His dual nature as both fully human and fully divine.

While united in belief in Jesus Christ, Christians are divided into major branches like Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy, each with unique traditions, practices, and theological emphases. Christianity has deeply influenced global history, including laws, ethics, art, literature, and social norms, often promoting values of compassion, charity, and justice.