Why is It Called Good Friday

Good Friday, also known as 'Good Friday', is an important and solemn day in Christianity. This day is celebrated in memory of the death of Jesus Christ, who was crucified. This day falls on the Friday just before Easter every year. Although this day is considered a symbol of mourning and sorrow, why is it called "Good" Friday - this question comes to the mind of many people.

Let us understand in detail why it is called Good Friday, what is its history, what are the religious beliefs, and what is its spiritual significance.

1. Historical significance of Good Friday

Good Friday is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified by Roman soldiers. According to Christian beliefs, Jesus sacrificed himself to take away the sins of mankind. He was wrongly convicted and eventually died by being nailed to a large cross.

Good Friday has also been called "Passion Friday" or "Black Friday". This day is a day of sorrow and introspection in Christianity, but it is also important because on the third day (Sunday) after this day, Jesus Christ was resurrected, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday.

2. Why is it called "Good"?

This is the most common and interesting question - when this day symbolizes the death of Jesus Christ, then why is it called 'Good'?

There are many religious and linguistic reasons behind this:

(i) "Good" also means "Holy"

In Old English, the word "Good" also meant "holy" or "religious". From that point of view, "Good Friday" can also mean "Holy Friday".

(ii) Salvation through sacrifice

According to Christian belief, Jesus freed humanity from sins through his sacrifice. This sacrifice was sad, but its result was good - people got spiritual salvation. Hence it was called ‘Good’, because on this day the path of salvation opened for mankind.

(iii) Beginning of hope and resurrection

Good Friday is a symbol of suffering and death, but it is also the beginning of the hope of Easter and the victory of life. It shows that death is not the end, but a new beginning.

3. What happens on Good Friday?

Good Friday is celebrated with great reverence and seriousness. There are special prayer meetings in various churches. People observe fast, abstinence, and remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Some of the traditions are as follows:

• Veneration of the Cross: People pray by bowing in front of the cross of Jesus.
• Silent Prayer: Bells are not rung in churches and there is an atmosphere of peace.
• Third Hour Service: Special prayers are held from 12 noon to 3 pm, as this is believed to be the time when Jesus was crucified.

4. Good Friday in India

In India too, the Christian community celebrates Good Friday with great respect and reverence. It is a national holiday and schools, colleges, government offices remain closed.

It is especially celebrated in Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu and the north-eastern states. Large scale processions, dramas and cross processions are carried out in churches which depict the last journey of Jesus.

5. Spiritual Message of Good Friday

Good Friday gives us many spiritual messages:

• Sacrifice and love: Jesus' sacrifice symbolizes love without any selfishness.
• Forgiveness and compassion: He forgave even his oppressors - it teaches that forgiveness is the greatest religion.
• Ray of hope: The hope of resurrection after death shows that light definitely comes after darkness.
• Good even in sorrow: Good Friday teaches us that behind every sorrow there can be some great good hidden.