Good Friday Celebrations

Good Friday Cards

Good Friday is observed on the Friday that falls just before Easter. Alternatively, it can be referred to as “the last Friday of Lent.” In 2012, Good Friday will be observed on April 06th. The date varies every year, owing to the fact that it is determined based on the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar (which is usually known as the regular calendar).

Basically, the customs that are observed on Good Friday are not considered to be celebrations; rather, the day is set aside for abstinence and fasting. This is the day that Christians believe Jesus Christ gave His life to save mankind, and suffered pain and agony on the Cross for His people. Therefore, they spend the day recalling that pain and reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice.

Given below are certain customs and traditions that are observed on Good Friday.

This is the only day when the church’s altar is not decorated. You won’t find a burning candle, or any other form of adornment. The entire day is dedicated to saying prayers and exercising self-denial. The idea behind this is that, on this day, every Christian partakes in the painful experience that Jesus Christ had to suffer through when He was being crucified. So, followers must refrain from pleasurable activities like watching television, consuming rich foods, drinking alcohol, and smoking.

Good Friday Fasting
People who observe Good Friday restrain themselves from having large meals on this day. Often, they will have lighter meals, or only have one for the entire day. Such a meal should essentially be without any kind of meat products, and is consumed after sunset. Those who participate can drink water, but do not consume any solid food until the time of the meal. This is applicable for people between the ages of 18 and 59, however, those suffering from illnesses are not required to do anything that might aggravate their condition.

Prayer Services
For most Christians, liturgical services take center stage throughout the day. Worshippers gather at the church around midday for the prayer services, at the time when it is assumed that Jesus was first crucified. This service will last for a couple of hours. Passages are read from the Gospel, with the main focus being on the Seven Last Words of Christ.

Once the Bible readings are finished, the priest (or minister, in Protestant churches) explains the meaning of these holy words. Thereafter, the worshippers pray in silence for a couple of minutes, sing hymns, and meditate.

There are a number of different customs performed during Good Friday services among the many Christian denominations. These can include such rites as Holy Communion, the Liturgy of the Word (praying for nonbelievers), and the Veneration of the Cross. Most churches in the Western tradition focus on the Seven Last Words and observe the Tenebrae, or Service of Darkness, in which psalms are recited and a series of candles are extinguished. The earthquake that is said to have followed the death of Christ is then symbolized with a loud noise, called the strepitus.

The color for this day is now mainly red, used in the hangings that decorate the church as well as the clothing (or vestments) worn by the clergy. The more traditional color, however, is black, and it is still used for this purpose in many churches even today.