“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me”. Is there any better way to start today’s Good Friday blog with a quote by Jesus Christ? Good Friday 2023 happens to be just around the corner. So this year, we observe Good Friday on 7th April 2023.
In the Christian faith, Good Friday is the day of mourning as they remember the suffering and sacrifice Jesus Christ endured on the cross for others’ sins. Have you ever wondered about the importance and significance of this festival? Do you know why Good Friday is celebrated? What is the significance of this festival, and why is it celebrated? Well, worry not, as InstaAstro has all the answers to your question. The blog below has all the answers that you have been waiting for. So let us get started and have a detailed view of Good Friday 2023 festival’s meaning, significance and importance.
Good Friday 2023: History and Significance of Good Friday
In this section of the blog, we will focus on the meaning of Good Friday and significance. The origins of Good Friday date back to the first century, when Jesus, the son of God, was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. According to the Gospels, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas and was arrested by the Roman authorities. After his arrest, Jesus was convicted and sentenced to death by crucifixion. Back in the times, the process of crucifixion was brutal and painful, which involved nailing the victim to a wooden cross and leaving them to die slowly.
Now jumping back to the story of Good Friday, Jesus Christ was hanged on the cross and died after several hours of pain and agony. According to Christian beliefs, his death is believed to have occurred around 3 pm on Friday, hence the name “Good Friday”. Now this solves your query about why is it called Good Friday.
Despite the sorrow and pain associated with Good Friday, it is also a day of deep significance for Christians. People believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself to save humanity. Moreover, his sacrifice gave his believers the hope of eternal life. All in all, it is a day to reflect on God’s love and mercy and renew one’s faith in the promise of eternal life.
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Good Friday 2023 Rituals: How is Good Friday celebrated?
- Pray during sacred hours
First on the list of the rituals that are followed on the day of Good Friday 2023 is praying and serving during the sacred hours. If you are aware of the Good Friday story, then you must know that Jesus Christ was hanged on the cross from noon to 3 pm, and at around 3 pm, Jesus Christ passed away. These hours are known as ‘sacred hours’, and people usually pray to remember his sacrifice during this time.
- Read the Holy Bible
Reading the Bible on Good Friday is a significant ritual done to understand God’s efforts for humankind as part of the religious heritage. Therefore, the chapter on “passion” in the Bible is one that is strongly advised.
- Cross Buns or Sandwiches
Did you know that the ritual of eating sandwiches and cross buns on the day of Good Friday is related to a priest in the 14th century? Sounds interesting right?
The ritual of eating sandwiches and cross buns on the day of Good Friday has an exciting story. According to the hearsay, a priest in the 14th century offered cross buns to the people on the day of Good Friday, and since then, people have been following this ritual of eating cross buns and sandwiches on the Great Day.
- Head to the Church
As per Christian beliefs and traditions, a Good Friday 2023 is incomplete without heading to the church. Therefore, on this day, people visit the church and ask for the Almighty’s forgiveness and ask him to make their life devoid of sorrow and peaceful.
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Good Friday 2023: Do’s and Don’ts
Needless to say, Good Friday holds a profound significance in Christianity as it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. However, this day comes with its own do’s and don’ts observed by the people who believe in Christianity. While these may vary depending on your denomination, some general guidelines can help make your Good Friday observance meaningful and respectful.
Good Friday 2023 Do’s: Attend a church service
Good Friday is an important day for Christians, and attending a church service on the day of Good Friday helps you reflect on the day’s significance.
- Observe a fast
Most people observe a fast on the day of Good Friday as they think it is a way to honour Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for others’ sins. Along with this, you should also refrain from eating meat.
- Spend time in prayer
Good Friday is a solemn day, and it is essential to take time to reflect on the meaning of the day and the sacrifice that Jesus made. Spending time in prayer or meditation can help you connect with the spiritual significance of the day.
- Perform acts of service
Also known as the Great Day, Good Friday is when Christians are called to serve others, just as Jesus served us. You can consider volunteering at a local food bank, visiting the sick or elderly, or performing other acts of service to help those in need.
Good Friday 2023 Don’ts: Eating or Sleeping during ‘The Hour’
As per popular belief, Jesus Christ’s death is believed to have occurred around 3 pm on Friday. During this time, people refrained from doing fun activities such as watching television or scrolling through the internet. Many people also avoid eating anything during this time to remember the pain and agony Jesus Christ endured on the cross.
- Wearing colourful clothes
Good Friday is believed to be the day of mourning, and one should not wear colourful clothes. Instead, wearing colours such as red, black, or violet can be a way to honour Jesus’s sacrifice.
- Eating meat or flesh
Many Christians avoid eating meat or flesh on Good Friday as a way of honouring Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
- Socialising
Socialising during ‘the Hour’ or on Good Friday is a big NO. Likewise, most people avoid ceremonies such as weddings, christenings etc., during the holy week.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Good Friday 2023 is a day of deep significance for Christians, as it observes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation that his death and resurrection bring. It is a day to reflect on God’s love and mercy and renew one’s faith in the promise of eternal life. Once you are done reading this blog, head to our website InstaAstro and read about your weekly and monthly horoscopes as per your zodiac sign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What colours should you wear on Good Friday?
2. What food is eaten on Good Friday?
3. What is not allowed on the day of Good Friday 2023 ?
4. What is the difference between Easter and Good Friday?
5. What are the seven days of the holy week?
6. What are the other names of Good Friday 2023?
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