This Week In World History: March 15th is Good Friday. Observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, it commemorates Jesus Christ’s Passion, crucifixion, and death on the cross. It is one of the holiest days of the year in the Christian faith.
The Day’s Background
While no one is certain why the day came to bear the moniker “Good”, there are many different theories. One is that “Good Friday” stems from “God’s Friday”. Meanwhile, another theorizes “good” refers to “observed as holy”. A third interpretation is the events observed on Good Friday are some of those integral to Christianity: namely, Christ dying to pay the price of mankind’s sins.
Good Friday Observed Around the World
While Good Friday isn’t a federal holiday in the United States, it is a state holiday in some states. However, the day is a public holiday in many countries around the world; particularly in countries that are heavily Catholic or Anglican.
How The Day Is Observed
Unlike Christmas and Easter, which have both acquired many secular traditions, Good Friday has not. Observances of the day often involve fasting and prayer as well as church service attendance. Many services are held in the afternoon, around noon to 3pm, in remembrance of the hours when Jesus hung on the cross. It is also common for churches to re-enact the procession of the cross in the ritual of the Stations of the Cross. This depicts the final hours of Jesus’ life. Overall, the day is a solemn one for those who partake in recognizing it.
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Info Source: NationalToday.com and TimeandDate.com
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