Good Friday is not a day of celebration. It is a day of mourning for Jesus and a day for self-reflection and observing.
According to the Bible, Jesus, the son of God, was beaten, mocked, and tortured. He was ordered to carry the cross meant for his crucifixion. He died after being nailed to it.
Therefore, it is also a day of mourning for the sins of the world that Jesus’ death represents.
Many might consider ‘Good Friday’ a joyous occasion like other Christian festivals. But greeting someone a “Happy Good Friday” on the day might actually hurt their religious sentiments.
People also get confused that if Jesus died on this day, why is it called “Good “Friday?
Though the entire event isn’t pleasant or good by any means, it is regarded as a sacred day by the Church. Hence the name Good Friday, as it solemnizes the holiness of the occasion.
The word “Good” is attached because it is believed the suffering and death of Jesus marked the culmination of God’s plan to save his people from their sins.
Christians observe this day by visiting a church and/or by fasting. In some places, devotees of Christ enact the who event of Jesus’ crucifixion. Some even dress like Jesus, and carry a cross as they organise processions to observe the day of mourning. And since the event retells the story of the last phase of Jesus’ life, it is also referred to as the ‘Passion of Jesus’.