Good Friday is a significant festival in the Christian calendar. In this article, we will explore its significance and dive into some bizarre facts surrounding this mystical day. Indian festivals hold a special place in our rich culture and traditions, acting as a medium to commemorate life-changing moments and events in every religion’s calendar. Christian festivals, in particular, center around the events associated with the life of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it strange that a day known as “good” actually represents Jesus’ death?
To help you better understand and comprehend the depths of this festival, we have curated a helpful guide on some important facts and myths revolving around Good Friday.
Contents
- 1 Good Friday Celebrations 2022
- 2 1. Different Names for Good Friday
- 3 2. Impact on Communication Channels
- 4 3. Real-Life Crucifixion Scenario
- 5 4. An Unheard Tale About Holy Saturday
- 6 5. Myth Around Washing Clothes
- 7 6. Chronicles About the First-Ever Good Friday
- 8 7. Significance of Maundy Thursday
- 9 8. Importance of Hot Cross Buns
- 10 9. Go For A Haircut
- 11 10. The Importance of Good Friday Eggs
- 12 11. A Mystical Tale Around Kids Born on Good Friday
- 13 12. The Realistic Power of Hot Cross Buns
Good Friday Celebrations 2022
This year, Good Friday will be celebrated on the 15th of April, Friday. Christians across the world observe the crucifixion and death of Jesus on this day and later celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is a day of deep significance for Christians, and many parts of the world even declare it a national holiday. On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was crucified on a wooden cross after being betrayed by Judas and sentenced to death for claiming to be the Son of God. Christians do not celebrate this day as “Good Friday” but rather remember his suffering and journey. There are no decorations, and no masses are held in the church.
Now, let’s delve into some lesser-known and intriguing facts associated with the auspiciousness of Good Friday.
1. Different Names for Good Friday
The festival is known by many names, such as Easter Friday, Black Friday, Great Friday, Holy Friday, or God’s Friday, and Mourning Friday. However, the origins of these names remain a mystery. Some people consider it an auspicious day, while others believe that “good” represents a gradual change from “god.”
2. Impact on Communication Channels
In New Zealand, as per the Broadcasting Act, radios and television stations are not allowed to broadcast anything between 6:00 am and noon on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Anzac Day. This measure is a way to show respect for different religious processions and traditions.
3. Real-Life Crucifixion Scenario
In the Philippines, the entire crucifixion scene is reenacted with volunteers who willingly take part. Additionally, many people choose to fast, pray, and refrain from eating meat on Good Friday.
4. An Unheard Tale About Holy Saturday
The Saturday after Good Friday and before Easter Sunday is known as Holy Saturday. These holy days mark the end of Lent, which lasts for 40 days and comes before Easter Sunday.
5. Myth Around Washing Clothes
There is a superstition that washing clothes on Good Friday could bring harm. Some believe that when Jesus was on his way to crucifixion, he was slapped in the face with a wet garment. Therefore, washing clothes on this day is considered a taboo.
6. Chronicles About the First-Ever Good Friday
According to authors Justin Taylor and Andreas Köstenberger, the first-ever Good Friday was celebrated on 3rd April, A.D. 33. They were the first to discover the significance of the festival and its origins.
7. Significance of Maundy Thursday
The Thursday preceding Good Friday, known as Maundy Thursday or Good Thursday, holds its own importance. “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning commandment. Maundy Thursday symbolizes the commandment given by Jesus during his last supper.
8. Importance of Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are believed to possess magical powers. Some people claim that a hot cross bun can be kept for almost a year without getting moldy. These buns are special delicacies made on Good Friday and eaten on Easter Sunday. Many believe that hot cross buns bring sweetness, good luck, and fortune.
9. Go For A Haircut
Planning a hair makeover? Well, on Good Friday, going for a haircut is said to prevent toothaches and headaches for the rest of the year. So, grab your scissors and give your hair a fresh look!
10. The Importance of Good Friday Eggs
Eggs laid on Good Friday are believed to never go bad. In Ireland, people celebrate Good Friday with the belief that eggs laid on this day will remain fresh and unaffected by time. Some even hold onto these eggs for decades to prove this myth.
11. A Mystical Tale Around Kids Born on Good Friday
Children born on Good Friday and baptized on Easter Sunday are said to possess healing powers. Just as Jesus possessed healing powers, it is believed that these children share a similar gift.
12. The Realistic Power of Hot Cross Buns
Sharing hot cross buns is considered auspicious, as it is said to strengthen friendships that last a lifetime. Reciting the rhyme “half for you and half for me” while enjoying this sweet treat is believed to bless you with lasting relationships.
These are twelve quirky and bizarre superstitions associated with the Good Friday tradition and festivities. The way the festival is celebrated varies across the world, and each superstition provides insight into the beliefs and thoughts surrounding this auspicious day. The entire team at PiggyRide wishes everyone a very happy and prosperous Good Friday. May the blessings of Lord Jesus be upon you all!