25 Good Friday Facts That Prove How Fascinating This Holiday Really Is
Including what the day is all about and why it's celebrated.
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Spring is on its way, and with it comes the arrival of holidays like Easter Sunday. While Easter gets most of our attention, Good Friday has its own unique history and special observations, most of which stem from the long tradition of the Christian rituals surrounding the observation of the solemn occasion. The Christian holiday, which will take place on April 15 this year, commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ, in which he was arrested in the garden at Gethsemane, tried and condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, carried his cross and was crucified at Golgotha outside of Jerusalem. The day is observed as an occasion for fasting, reflection, prayer and solemnity by many Christians and Catholics, serves as a prelude to your egg hunt or festive holiday dinner.
But just like Easter, Good Friday is recognized in a variety of ways all across the world. For example, Germany and New Zealand have some interesting laws in place to preserve the occasion, and certain legends say eggs and buns that are blessed on this day will never spoil or go moldy. (Although we wouldn't recommend testing that theory for yourself!) So before the Easter bunny gets here, let's dig into all the special aspects that make Good Friday so special. From its historical origins to the unique and varied ways it's celebrated around the world, here are all the interesting Good Friday facts that you can spend some time reflecting on before the Easter bunny arrives.
It can take place any day between March 20 and April 23.
Since Easter is a "moveable feast," Good Friday similarly shifts dates from year to year. It all comes down to the lunar calendar, specifically the first full moon to take place after the spring equinox. Good Friday is celebrated the following Friday, with Easter Sunday just after it. Good thing your calendar calculates it for you!
Hot cross buns are considered good luck.
These sweet, dense treats traditionally baked on Good Friday to be enjoyed on Easter Sunday are said to be imbued with good luck. Superstitions say that buns baked on this day will never spoil, protect against shipwrecks and even shield your home from fire.
They can also help you make friends.
According to an old legend, people who share a hot cross bun will remain good friends for a year if they say a special rhyme while enjoying the treat: "Half for you and half for me, between us two shall goodwill be." Worth a try, as far as we're concerned.
It's a good time to get a haircut.
Grab the scissors! According to superstition, getting a haircut on Good Friday prevents headaches for the rest of the year. It'll also ensure you look your best in your Easter bonnet on Sunday.
You can watch a play for free in London.
Every year, the open-air play The Passion of Jesus is put on in London's Trafalgar Square for free. If you can't make it across the pond for the occasion, watch via a live stream on Facebook.
Jamaicans crack an egg.
This custom is a little different than the American custom of dyeing eggs. Before sunrise, the tradition goes that you crack an egg and add just the egg white to a glass of water. As the rising sun heats the egg, patterns form in the glass. Elders believe the way the white swirls can predict the way in which you will die.
You can find alfrombras in Central America.
The streets of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala are decorated with alfrombras, or religious art made out of colorful sawdust.
On Good Friday in 1930, there was no news.
On a particularly slow news day in 1930, BBC radio announced, "There is no news." Listeners then heard piano music for the rest of the day. Don't hold your breath for a repeat this year.
It’s an unofficial holiday.
Some schools and banks may be closed, but Good Friday isn't actually officially observed across the country. Only 12 states acknowledge Good Friday.
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It became a federal holiday in Cuba not too long ago.
Thanks to Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the Caribbean nation in 2012, the Cuban government granted his request to make Good Friday an official holiday, allowing people to stay home and observe this sacred day without taking off work.
Dancing is outlawed in Germany.
Dancing is prohibited on this sacred holiday, forcing nightclubs to close or risk being fined £1,000 (or $1,300). In German, the name for the holiday translates as Sorrowful Friday.
Eggs laid on this day are everlasting.
Ireland celebrates Good Friday in a more optimistic way, spending the day looking out for specific signs. It's also believed that eggs laid on this day will never rot. Some people even hold onto eggs for decades just to prove the myth.
They can also bring you good fortune.
The Irish also have a tradition of marking eggs with a holy cross and having each family member eat one on Easter Sunday. Doing this will help bring good health and luck in the next year.
In 2018, Irish pubs opened on Good Friday for the first time.
For almost a century, Ireland banned alcohol sales on Good Friday. Lifting this longtime Christian tradition was good news for the economy as tourism traditionally peaks during Easter week. Cheers to planning ahead for Sunday celebrations!
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Kites fly high in Bermuda.
Bermuda takes Good Friday to new heights every year with its famous kitefest. Both locals and tourists flock to the beach to enjoy a day full of easter egg hunts, delicious Bermudian food and colorful kites.
The holiday marks the end of Lent.
Depending on your beliefs, Lent (a 40-day religious sacrifice period) ends on Good Friday, but also may conclude on Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday itself. If you're an observer, ask your priest or minister what they think!
Commercials are banned in New Zealand.
According to the Broadcasting Act, TV and radio ads are prohibited between 6 a.m. and noon on Good Friday in New Zealand, out of respect for the religious day of observance. The same law holds true on Christmas, Easter Sunday and Anzac Day so as not to disrupt celebrations.
Fasting is very common.
Devoted Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are expected to fast on Good Friday. According to the Conference of Catholic Bishops, fasting permits one full meal, as well as two smaller meals. If possible, the fast should last until the Easter vigil on Holy Saturday night.
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The origin of the name "Good Friday" is unknown.
There are numerous theories behind the name Good Friday, but none are backed by solid evidence. Many believe that the "Good" means "Holy," while others are convinced that "Good" is a gradual change from "God." Each country and language has their own unique interpretation and translation.
In fact, it has multiple names.
We may know the Friday before Easter as Good Friday in the United States, but other countries refer to this day as Easter Friday, Holy Friday, Great Friday. or Silent Friday.
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