Dates and Significance of the Festival : Good Friday & Easter 2018

 

Good Friday is the day of mourning for Christians. It is the day Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. There are many theories about why such a sorrowful day should be called 'Good Friday'.

Some say it is called 'Good' because it is believed that Jesus Christ died on this day for the salvation of mankind. Others say 'Good' here is only another word for 'Sacred' as two days after this Friday, Easter is celebrated to express happiness on the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

Scholars believe Jesus was betrayed by his disciple Judas during the last supper. The event is accepted to have occurred in 33 AD. It is believed Jesus was on the cross from 9 am and died at 3 pm on that Friday.

That is the reason why Christians pray at 3 pm on Good Friday. It is also a day for either fasting and abstinence or modest eating. In some countries, Good Friday processions are carried out and prayer meets are held. It also marks the end of the 40 days of Lent and the arrival of Easter festivities on the following Sunday, to mark the rise of Christ.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ according to the Holy Bible. Celebrated before Easter Sunday, Good Friday is also known as Black Friday, Holy Friday and Friday in the Easter Week. From fasting to re-enacting Jesus’ victory over death and sin, Good Friday is observed across the globe three days before the Easter Sunday when Christ is believed to have awakened from death.
Here’s all you need to know about Good Friday 2018:

When Will Good Friday Be Observed in 2018?

Good Friday will be observed on 30 March 2018. Churches hold services but bells are not rung and priests wear black clothes.

What are the Dates and Importance of Easter Week?

Important events of Easter Week to be observed between 25 March to 31 March are:

25 March 2018: Sunday
Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday): Jesus enters Jerusalem
26 to 28 March 2018
Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday
29 March 2018: Thursday
Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday): Institution of communion and the betrayal by Judas
30 March 2018: Friday
Good Friday (Holy Friday): Arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus Christ
31 March 2018: Saturday
Holy Saturday: The sabbath on which Jesus Christ rested in grave
1 April 2018: Sunday
Easter or Resurrection Sunday: Resurrection of Jesus, three days after crucifixion

With Good Friday also comes a long weekend! Mark your calendar and shortlist destinations now.