Why is today called Good Friday? Meaning behind the Easter celebration
As much as the focus might be on chocolate and enjoying the Bank Holiday, for many, Easter is actually all about remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
And the most harrowing event of this holiday is the crucifixion itself, which happened on a Friday – and is commemorated on Good Friday.
But where did the day get its name? And why is it thought of as ‘good’ when it was the day the Messiah was put to death?
Here is what you need to know.
What is the origin of Good Friday?
According to the Bible, on the evening before Good Friday (Maundy Thursday), Jesus told his disciples to expect his death during what’s known as the Last Supper.
He also told them that from then on, if they ate bread and drank wine they would be eating his body and drinking his blood. This is now known by some Christians as Holy Communion.
Later, one of his disciples – Judas Iscariot – betrayed him and this helped the royal soldiers find Jesus in Gethsemane.
On Good Friday, Jesus then had to carry his cross to the site of execution (assisted by Simon of Cyrene). There, he was crucified along with two criminals.
The Easter story continues with Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Where did Good Friday get its name?
The term ‘Good Friday’ does not actually mean that the Friday in question was good, positive or particularly nice.
Used in this context, the word ‘Good’ carries the same meaning as the original Old English word, in that it means holy.
Thus, this day is also referred to as Holy Friday.
However, Christians argue that the day of Christ’s crucifixion was good in its way because it was the start of his resurrection (which happened on Easter Sunday) and also the day he died for our sins.
Christians believe that all of Easter should be a joyful celebration anyway – because ultimately if Jesus hadn’t carried the cross, worn the crown of thorns and commended his spirit into his father’s hands, we’d all be a bit screwed.
This year Good Friday falls on April 7, and Easter Sunday falls on April 9. Then Easter Monday arrives, closing Easter, on April 10.
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