Good Friday 2020: Importance and Significance of the Holy Day

Good Friday is also known as Great Friday, Black Friday, Easter Friday or Holy Friday and this year it falls on April 10. It is a significant day for the Christian community since it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Judas betrayed Jesus, and Christians believed that Jesus came back three days after being crucified, on the day known as Easter.

The word ‘good’ in Good Friday means pious or holy. The death of Jesus signifies forgiveness for all of the sins of mankind, with Jesus sacrificing himself for the good of humankind. Good Friday is a day of mourning, and people keep fasts and pray to the Lord. It is a day to remind oneself of Jesus Christ’s sacrifices. 

Church services take place from noon to 3 pm on this day and decorations from statues are removed. Priests and the congregation are  dressed in black and white attires and candles are not lit in churches.  Preparation for meals on Good Friday would normally start a week before, with the dough for the bread being kneaded and braided.