Good Friday 2022: Date, Meaning, History And Traditions

Good Friday is considered a very significant day, especially for all Christians. It is the day to remember all the sacrifices of Jesus for mankind. He died for all of our sins and was crucified by the Romans on a hill outside Jerusalem – painfully tied and nailed by the wrists and feet to a wooden cross. To commemorate the Holy Friday, below are important details to observe for the upcoming Good Friday.

When is Good Friday 2022?

The date for Holy Friday varies from one year to another on both the Gregorian and Julian calendars. For this year, it will be observed on April 15. It usually takes place in the month of April every year.

Good Friday is a part of Holy Week, the week before Easter Week. It is preceded by Holy Thursday and followed by Holy Saturday. A lot of countries put Good Friday as a public holiday and all government offices remain closed on this day.

What is the meaning of Good Friday?

Good Friday means "pious", "holy". It is also called Holy Friday. Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion, Good Friday is the recounting of the story of Jesus' last days, which is called the "Passion of Christ." It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum.

The biblical account of Jesus' death on the cross can be found in the following passages--Matthew 27:27-28:8, Mark 15:16-16:19, Luke 23:26-24:35, and John 19:16-20:30.

Why is it called Good Friday?

It is called Good Friday because, by Jesus’ death, it became the final, complete sacrifice for all the people's sins. Human beings could not erase sins, as our hands would have been forever connected with all the mistakes for a lifetime, however, Jesus broke the bonds of death and sin.

History behind Good Friday

The celebration of Good Friday dates back to the 4th century by Egeria. This ancient practice designates the time of self-punishment and fasting on the death anniversary of Christ. The nomenclature of "Good Friday" is popularly derived from "God's Friday." His death and resurrection mean salvation, to be free for all mankind. The cross intended to be a symbol of shame became a symbol of victory.

What are the common practices during Good Friday?

There are no traditional celebrations for Good Friday, however many people observe fasting and pray in their churches. People differ in values and beliefs, religion or spiritual growth but still, Good Friday plays a significant part in everyone’s lives. Christians also go on fasting on this day.

In some areas, there are processions, reenactments of the crucifixion and special religious services to commemorate the Friday before Easter. Some also hold a march on the streets to display their faith and glory to Jesus. Meanwhile, some people dress in black and maintain silence during the hours of Christ's suffering.

Good Friday was observed as a day of sorrow and penance. There are people planning the "Passion of Christ" play to let people visually look back on the pains of Jesus. It is to show a reproduction of what happened rather than just the reading of what occurred.

In Israel where Jesus lived, a lot of people walk the same path up to Calvary Hill as Jesus did many years ago. For a lot of people, Easter itself has become associated with chocolate Easter bunnies, egg hunts and giving gifts to children.

Good Friday has remained a religious holiday. As same with other holidays, there is a traditional food for Good Friday--hot cross buns, which originated in England. Hot cross buns are still baked and eaten by many people today.