Good Friday

Good Friday History

Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Recognised as a day of mourning, it signifies the sacrificial love and forgiveness that Christ bestowed upon humanity. Apart from spiritual reverence, it is also associated with the practice of fasting, solemn prayers, processions, and passion plays depicting the events of Christ's suffering and death in many Christian communities.

For a significant proportion of New Zealand's population, Good Friday bears historical roots tracing back to the arrival of the first Christian missionaries in the early 19th century. It is acknowledged in the nation as a public holiday, echoing its importance among the Christian community. For New Zealanders, Good Friday holds not only religious significance, but also a cultural aspect, as it marks the beginning of the traditionally four-day long Easter weekend, often associated with family time, relaxation and, of course, Easter egg hunts.

In terms of observances, New Zealanders participate in church services, prayer meetings and scripture readings on Good Friday. Due to the day’s solemn nature, it is culturally uncommon for shops or businesses to remain open. In certain regions, community processions or local reenactments of the Passion of Christ are also observed. Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which varies between 19 March and 25 April, depending on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. Therefore, in New Zealand like the rest of the world, the date of Good Friday changes each year.

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.
• Hot cross buns are a traditional food item eaten on Good Friday in New Zealand. The bun marks the end of Lent and different parts of the hot cross bun have a certain meaning. The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus, and the spices inside are meant to remind Christians of the spices used to embalm him at his burial.
• Some regions in New Zealand have traditional events on Good Friday. In the Waikato region, for example, the Kawhia Kai Festival takes place on Good Friday, showcasing Maori traditional food.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Good Friday

Top things to do in NZ 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.
• Go watch the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow: This southern hemisphere’s largest Warbirds Airshow, takes place every two years during Easter Weekend.
• Read a book to learn more about Good Friday in New Zealand:
  The Church Missionary Society and World Christianity, 1799-1999- edited by Kevin Ward and Brian Stanley: This book delves into the impact of the Church Missionary Society in countries like New Zealand and explores how Christianity, including events like Good Friday, took form in these nations.