Good Friday

Good Friday History

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. An integral part of the Holy Week, it carries deep religious reverence and sorrow, underpinned by the belief in the resurrection of Christ, which is celebrated two days later on Easter Sunday. This observance underlines the themes of sacrifice, penance, and redemption, teaching adherents about the power of love and forgiveness.

The origins of Good Friday are rooted in early Christianity, with evidence of its observance dating back to the first century. Amid the diversity of the European Union, Good Friday holds profound significance among its Christian populace. The relevance extends beyond just religious groups, influencing the socio-cultural milieu of European countries, wherein it reflects universal values such as empathy, compassion, and the spirit of self-sacrifice. It serves as a focal point for interfaith dialogue and promotes the respect of spiritual diversity central to the European Union's values.

The celebration of Good Friday across the European Union is marked by distinct regional variations. In traditional Catholic and Orthodox countries, services often include solemn processions, passion plays, the veneration of the cross, and the Stations of the Cross. Many devotees engage in fasting or abstinence from meat as a form of penance. Furthermore, it is recognised as a public holiday in nearly all EU countries, occurring on the Friday before Easter Sunday, the specific date varies from year to year, but usually falls between March 20th and April 23rd.

Facts about Good Friday

• In the Orthodox tradition, the day is called Holy and Great Friday. In typical Orthodox services, a cross is removed from the church sanctuary and the congregation observes a service that focuses on Christ's burial in the tomb.
• A service called Tenebrae is often held on Good Friday. It focuses on reading the scriptures that describe Jesus' arrest, trial, beating, and crucifixion. In the Roman Catholic Church, Tenebrae may be celebrated on Holy Thursday. Another variation, called Tre Ore, or three hours, is a service that runs typically from noon to 3 p.m., believed to be the time of Jesus' death. It focuses on the last seven phrases that Christ said before his death based on several different gospels. Each phrase is accompanied by a scripture reading, a hymn, and sometimes a short sermon.
• The Way, or Stations, of the Cross is another way that Christians observe Good Friday. It is primarily a Roman Catholic tradition, but some Protestant churches practice it as well. Depictions of the last 12 acts of Jesus' life are placed in the church or are sometimes permanently stationed outside on the church grounds. Worshipers walk from one station to the next in prayer and contemplation.
• The Vatican City, located in the heart of Europe, has a "Way of the Cross" ceremony that is led by the Pope every Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• While Good Friday is a somber event in most countries, in others like Italy, it's a day of celebration with a festival known as "I Misteri" that commemorates the day with music, processions, and lively festivities. However, this can vary widely throughout different regions of the country.

In the News and Trending in the EU for Good Friday

Top things to do in the EU for Good Friday

• One tradition on Good Friday is to make and eat hot cross buns. The bread, which is slightly sweet, has a cross on the top that represents the crucifixion. It is thought to be an English tradition that dates back 500 years.
• Attend Passion Plays: In various parts of the EU, Passion Plays are held to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The most famous one is possibly in Oberammergau, Germany, but it's held once every 10 years - next one in 2022.
• Read a book to learn more about Good Friday in the EU:
  The Death of Jesus in Early Christianity - by John T. Carroll
  The Passion Narratives in the Four Gospels - by Martin Hengel