GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday is a very important festival for Christians which is celebrated to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday usually falls between March 20th and April 23rd. Initially, it was called God’s Friday remembering Christ’s sufferings and death on the cross. They believe that he sacrificed himself for humankind on the big cross or crucifix. They observe this day as an essential feast of up to forty days. The last week of this period is called a holy week, and this is the day, or Good Friday comes in this week. Earlier, only Easter Sunday was celebrated as a holy day by the Christmas Church. By the fourth century, the days preceding Easter were established as holy days including Good Friday. It is believed that ‘Good’ stands for the gift of salvation brought forth by martyrdom. The celebrations include the observance of prayer and meditation at the Stations of the Cross, a succession of 14 images, usually on wooden combinations, which depicts Christ’s crucifixion and the events leading to it. In the Eastern Orthodox Churches, it is known as the ‘Great Friday’
From the history of Good Friday, it is seen that it was a sad moment for the Christians. Jesus was crucified on this day and he died for us. Then why is a sad day called Good Friday? The world is full of sins. Jesus sacrificed and died on the cross for us. He was ready to bear all the wrongdoings of his followers. He wanted his followers to celebrate his resurrection as a joyous day. He did not want his people to suffer anymore. He won against evil. It is because of Jesus’ sacrifice that people are forgiven of their sins and receive peace.
On the day of Good Friday Day, the followers of Christianity go to the Church to remember Jesus Christ. They remember the pain and difficulties that Jesus was born for humanity. On this day, they ring no bell in the Church. People remember Jesus by kissing the cross sign. In the beginning, this day was observed as a day of simple fasting not associated with Jesus' death. It was only from the late fourth century that it has been associated with crucifixion. A particular section of Christians views Christ's crucifixion as a voluntary act in which death itself was conquered by resurrection.
On this day the Christians meet and pray several times. Besides, the readings from the Scripture held in the congregation are also part of the celebration. In some congregations, the role of Jesus is also enacted in a ritual called the Stations of the Cross. Thus, Good Friday is observed as a day of fasting, mourning, sorrow, and prayer. In some churches, they even enact the 'passion of Christ' during the Stations of the Cross. Good Friday is followed by Holy Saturday and then the feast of Passover or Easter is celebrated on Easter Sunday. The feast of Passover is believed to be the day when Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead by destroying and conquering death forever. Thus Good Friday is the day when good prevailed over evil and love over hatred.
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