Why is Good Friday called 'Good' if Jesus was crucified on this day? All you need to know

Good Friday 2025: Good Friday is one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar. But many people wonder ¨C Why is Good Friday called good? After all, it is the day Jesus Christ was crucified. Despite the sorrow linked to this day, it is still known as Good Friday. In this article, we explore what is Good Friday, the Good Friday history, and the meaning behind its name.

What is Good Friday?

Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, Black Friday, or Great Friday, is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a Christian holiday that remembers the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus was put to death on a Friday, which is now celebrated as Good Friday by Christians all around the world.

This day is filled with sorrow, prayer, and reflection. It is a time when Christians think deeply about the pain and suffering Jesus went through before his death. Although it is a sad occasion, it is also a day of deep religious meaning.

How is Good Friday Observed?

Church | Credit: Pixabay

Across the world, different Christian denominations observe Good Friday in special ways. Some of the common traditions include:

- Fasting and penance

- Attending special church services

- Reading the Passion of Christ

- Singing hymns and offering prayers

In many Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, and Lutheran churches, a service known as the Three Hours' Agony is held between 12 noon and 3 p.m. This period reflects the time when Jesus hung on the cross, and the Bible says there was darkness over the land.

In the Moravian Church, there's a tradition of cleaning gravestones on Good Friday, showing respect to those who have passed away.

Why is Good Friday Called 'Good'?

Many people ask, Why is Good Friday called good when it remembers such a painful event? The name may seem confusing at first, but there are a few reasons behind it.

1. A Day of Great Sacrifice and Love

For Christians, Good Friday marks the day when Jesus Christ gave up his life for the sins of humanity. It is seen as the ultimate sacrifice¡ªan act of pure love and redemption. Jesus¡¯s death made it possible for people to be forgiven and have eternal life. Because of this great act of love, the day is called "Good".

2. The Start of Something Greater

Good Friday is followed by Easter Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead. This resurrection is the foundation of Christian belief. So, while Good Friday is filled with sorrow, it also marks the beginning of hope, salvation, and new life. In this sense, it is truly a ¡°good¡± day.

3. "Good" Means "Holy" in Old English

Another theory is based on language. In Old English, the word "good" was often used to mean "holy". So, Good Friday could simply mean Holy Friday, which makes more sense given the sacred nature of the day.

The Meaning of Good Friday for Christians

For Christians, Good Friday is not just about sadness. It is a day of deep meaning and faith. It reminds believers of the suffering Jesus endured, but also of the hope and promise that came after.

Many people attend special services, fast, and spend time in prayer on this day. It¡¯s a time to think about Jesus¡¯s love and the spiritual meaning of sacrifice.

So, what is Good Friday really about? It is a solemn yet powerful day that holds great importance for Christians. Though it marks the day Jesus was crucified, it is called Good Friday because of the love, sacrifice, and hope it represents. Whether you see it as Holy Friday or a day of sorrow, Good Friday history shows us why it remains a central part of the Christian faith.

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