Good Friday might just be another day off for many of us (and a long weekend), but it’s actually a meaningful day for certain groups of people.
Get your reading glasses ready as we delve right into 10 facts about Good Friday.
Significance for Christians
Good Friday occurs on Friday because it marks the start of the Easter weekend, including Easter Sunday, which is more familiar to most people. If not, why would you be seeing Easter chocolate eggs and bunnies in every supermarket?
So, it’s not just about Easter chocolate eggs and bunnies, although those were always what I looked forward to as a child.
It holds significance for Christians as it commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion and his death on the cross.
The Essence of Good Friday
Have you ever been wrongly accused? I’m sure many of us have faced situations where we were accused unjustly. For me, it was episodes of ‘The Missing Chocolates’ in the fridge.
Returning to the story, Jesus was accused of blasphemy for calling himself the son of God, despite that being the truth.
The Detailed Story of Jesus’ Accusation
This man, betrayed by one of his twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot, was handed over to the Jewish elders who sentenced him to death.
Jesus was stripped, crowned with thorns, whipped mercilessly, and nailed to the cross.
He remained on the cross for about six hours, with the inscription “The King of the Jews” placed above his head, in what was an early use of sarcasm.
After his death, Jesus was placed in a tomb, but that was not the end of the story.
The Resurrection
Jesus arose on the third day, a moment celebrated by Christians on Easter Sunday.
In essence, this fulfilled the prophecy of the Savior (Jesus Christ) who would be persecuted, die for the sins of mankind, and rise on the third day.
Reenactment of the Crucifixion
Some Christian congregations around the world reenact the crucifixion on Good Friday.
In the Philippines, some devotees are actually nailed to crosses each year. The Catholic Church has expressed disapproval of the ritual, but it continues in various countries, including the U.S. states of Michigan, Louisiana, and Florida.
The Connection Between Easter and Bunnies
You might wonder about the connection between the history of Easter, Jesus, and bunnies.
The link comes from the hare’s fertility, symbolizing new life, which parallels the Christian meaning of rejoicing in new life through Christ’s resurrection.
Easter Eggs: Another Link
Eggs, symbolizing life and new beginnings in many cultures, connect to Jesus’ resurrection as a new beginning.
The Role of Chocolate in Easter
After Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, Christians celebrate with a feast, which often includes sweet treats like chocolates. Yes, this is why you’re seeing so many chocolates everywhere nowadays.
No Meat Day
During Lent and on Good Friday, Catholics abstain from meat, following the Catholic law of abstinence.
Restrictions on Good Friday
In Germany, public dancing and comedic performances are illegal on Good Friday, while in Ireland, the sale of alcohol is banned.
In Singapore…well, maybe eating lousy food is illegal and banned.
To learn more, attending a Good Friday church service is a great idea. Remember, Christians and Catholics observe Good Friday slightly differently.
Enjoy this day, regardless of your race, language, or religion, as it’s essentially a public holiday and a long weekend.