The History of Good Friday
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
Good Friday is a religious holiday observed annually by Christians to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It falls between March 20th and April 23rd each year. Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection following his crucifixion, always falls on the Sunday two days later. Good Friday is of particular importance in the Roman Catholic tradition, as devotees will fast or only eat small meals and perform prayers. Other traditions will also hold liturgical services. Strongly Catholic countries may even hold processions. In this http://www.WatchMojo.com video, we learn more about Good Friday.
This Christian holiday commemorates the execution of Jesus Christ. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be learning more about Good Friday.
Good Friday is a religious holiday observed annually by Christians to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Its actual date varies from year to year, as it is based on when Jewish Passover takes place. As the date of Passover is dependent on the Jewish lunisolar calendar, Good Friday falls between March 20th and April 23rd each year. Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection following his crucifixion, always falls on the Sunday two days later.
<4>Maundy or Holy Thursday
As written in the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus’ Last Supper was a Passover meal, which he shared with his Apostles. This is when the Washing of the Feet took place and when Jesus first presented the Christian rite of the Eucharist, which is now practiced as the Holy Communion. Christians celebrate this day as Maundy or Holy Thursday.
It is believed that Jesus was betrayed by his disciple Judas shortly after the Last Supper. Because of this, he was arrested by Temple Guards in the Garden of Gethsemane and crucified by Pontius Pilate over accusations that he claimed to be the Son of God. Though Christians now believe Jesus is the Son of the God and their Messiah, the high priests and people of his time believed this was blasphemy that deserved a death sentence.
Scholars have estimated that the crucifixion took place on a Friday in the year 33 AD, and Jesus remained on the cross from 9am to 3pm. The whole of his sentencing and suffering is known as The Passion of Christ.
Good Friday is part of the Three Days in the Easter Triduum, which is a liturgical period that incorporates Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. It is of particular importance in the Roman Catholic tradition.
When it comes to food, Catholics will only consume one big meal and two small meals, while refraining from meat. They may also perform prayers or acts of reparation, devotions to the Station of the Cross in the name of the Passion, and attend prayer services.
On the other hand, a complete fast during all of this “Holy and Great Friday” is observed in the Eastern or Byzantine tradition. Meanwhile, a three-hour service commemorating the Passion may be held in Anglican, Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Many countries with a Christian background have made Good Friday a public holiday, with several highly Catholic countries holding Good Friday processions. Devotees sometimes travel to Rome to share in the Pope’s prayers.
The day after Good Friday is the last day of Holy Week: Holy Saturday. It marks the end of Lent, which is a time for fasting, self-denial, and the repentance of sins. It also symbolizes the period between Jesus’ death, when Joseph of Arimathea wrapped his body and laid it to rest in a tomb, and his resurrection. It was only the next day, on Easter Sunday, that female visitors discovered his empty tomb and that he had risen from the dead.
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Good Friday
Good Friday is a religious holiday observed annually by Christians to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Its actual date varies from year to year, as it is based on when Jewish Passover takes place. As the date of Passover is dependent on the Jewish lunisolar calendar, Good Friday falls between March 20th and April 23rd each year. Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection following his crucifixion, always falls on the Sunday two days later.
<4>Maundy or Holy Thursday
As written in the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus’ Last Supper was a Passover meal, which he shared with his Apostles. This is when the Washing of the Feet took place and when Jesus first presented the Christian rite of the Eucharist, which is now practiced as the Holy Communion. Christians celebrate this day as Maundy or Holy Thursday.
Betrayal by Judas
It is believed that Jesus was betrayed by his disciple Judas shortly after the Last Supper. Because of this, he was arrested by Temple Guards in the Garden of Gethsemane and crucified by Pontius Pilate over accusations that he claimed to be the Son of God. Though Christians now believe Jesus is the Son of the God and their Messiah, the high priests and people of his time believed this was blasphemy that deserved a death sentence.
Crucifixion
Scholars have estimated that the crucifixion took place on a Friday in the year 33 AD, and Jesus remained on the cross from 9am to 3pm. The whole of his sentencing and suffering is known as The Passion of Christ.
Liturgical Services
Good Friday is part of the Three Days in the Easter Triduum, which is a liturgical period that incorporates Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. It is of particular importance in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Food and Prayers
When it comes to food, Catholics will only consume one big meal and two small meals, while refraining from meat. They may also perform prayers or acts of reparation, devotions to the Station of the Cross in the name of the Passion, and attend prayer services.
Fasting and Services
On the other hand, a complete fast during all of this “Holy and Great Friday” is observed in the Eastern or Byzantine tradition. Meanwhile, a three-hour service commemorating the Passion may be held in Anglican, Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Holiday
Many countries with a Christian background have made Good Friday a public holiday, with several highly Catholic countries holding Good Friday processions. Devotees sometimes travel to Rome to share in the Pope’s prayers.
Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday
The day after Good Friday is the last day of Holy Week: Holy Saturday. It marks the end of Lent, which is a time for fasting, self-denial, and the repentance of sins. It also symbolizes the period between Jesus’ death, when Joseph of Arimathea wrapped his body and laid it to rest in a tomb, and his resurrection. It was only the next day, on Easter Sunday, that female visitors discovered his empty tomb and that he had risen from the dead.
For more great historical videos, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
