Avoid Wishing People 'Happy Good Friday'? Here's Why

Good Friday is observed as a day of reflection by practising Christians about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Good Friday is a part of the Holy Week.

Source : Getty

Every year, millions of Christians observe 'Good Friday', commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. However, many people tend to "wish" others on this day, which is a sombre occasion. Let's understand why wishing someone on Good Friday could be in poor taste.

Good Friday is a solemn and reflective day for Christians all around the world as it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hence, it would be inappropriate to wish people a "Happy Good Friday". While the occasion is named "Good" Friday, Christians observe it as a day of mourning and contemplation. This year, Good Friday is on March 29.

Good Friday holds significance for various reasons the biggest being Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, several theories offer explanations behind its name. One theory suggests that it is called Good Friday because of the holy act of Jesus Christ. Some believe that the term "Good" in Good Friday signifies God.

What Is Good Friday?

Good Friday is a part of the Holy Week, which ends on Easter Sunday. The day comes after Maundy Thursday, the day on which Jesus shared the final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. 

It is believed that, on Good Friday, Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for the sins of mankind. As per the Bible, Jesus was sentenced to be crucified by the Romans after the Jewish leaders condemned him for claiming to be the ‘son of God and King of the Jews’. Jesus was then beaten and forced to carry a heavy cross to Mount Calvary, where he was crucified between two thieves. 

What Happens On Good Friday? 

Many practising Christians observe Good Friday with a whole day of fasting. They go to church services, during which a practice known as the ‘Way Of The Cross’ is a part of the mass. Parishioners will read out 14 points of Jesus Christ’s journey to Mount Calvary and his crucifixion. 

A procession is taken out by the parishioners with an image of Jesus Christ in the front to reenact him carrying the cross to Mount Calvary. The mass continues with Bible readings, prayers and hymns to let people reflect on the death of Jesus and the reason behind the sacrifice.