Events of Holy Week – Good Friday Traditions
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
Good Friday traditions are similar in many ways all over the world in Christian communities. This day notes the anniversary of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
Good Friday began to be observed by Christians in the fourth century AD. Why it is said to be Good Friday is curious. After all, it is a day marking the execution of the Christian messiah.
In some countries it is known as Long Friday, Great Friday, Silent Friday or Holy Friday. Experts believe that the holiday perhaps was once called God Friday and by mistake became known as Good Friday. Then again, it may be considered good because of Christ’s sacrifice allowing believers to have eternal life in heaven.
For Christians, it is believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, sent to earth to die and take away the sins of all mankind. The Bible tells us that Christ rose again from the dead three days later, and ascended into heaven.
Good Friday Traditions – Church Services
In most Christian churches there are Good Friday services from 12 noon to 3 p.m. This is the time – 3 hours – that Jesus suffered on the cross. Often those performing the services wear black, any cross is draped in black, and the alter is empty with no burning candles. Hymns are sung, prayers said, scripture is read of the last word of Christ. It is a very solemn service.
Other churches may have an evening service. There is no communion, as it was taken on Maundy Thursday, the day before in observance of The Last Supper. In the Catholic church it is often the practice to fast except for one meal on Good Friday.
Good Friday Traditions – In Other Countries
In some places, there are parades (not joyous ones with bands & balloons) or they eat special meals with their family. In the Phillipines there are reinactments through the streets of Christ carrying the cross, for example.
This day is a time for shared repentance for the sins which made the Crucifixion necessary.
The last word of Christ in Luke 23:24 as he suffered on the cross He said Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Even in His hour of agony he was forgiving those who found him guilty and crucified Him. Being crucified was the most heinous way anyone was put to death in that time.
Darkness fell as He hung on the cross. When Jesus was near the end, He said It is finished. (John 19:30) and finally, Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46) The skies opened up with heavy rain, lightening and claps of thunder. There was an earthquake at his death (Matt 27:51). When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said “Truly, this was the Son of God”. (Matt 27:54)
One Good Friday tradition that I love is a special hymn. Enjoy this music by Tennessee Ernie Ford of “Were You There?”
Blessings to you at Eastertime.
Bobbi Miller
Entrepreneur