The Friday before Easter is known as Good Friday, and Good Friday Weekend is a Christian holiday honouring Jesus’ execution and death at Calvary. Good Friday is commemorated yearly throughout Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum. Good Friday is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, and Black Friday. The date of Good Friday, which is widely regarded as a legal holiday across the world, changes from year to year on both the Gregorian and Julian calendars.
Good Friday is an important day in the Christian calendar because it marks what many consider to be the most momentous weekend in human history. Since Jesus’ death and resurrection, Christians have preached the cross. Paul believed it was “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins.
Good Friday Traditions: Do’s and Don’ts
People observe Good Friday Weekend rituals such as fasting, praying, and attending religious services. Here are some things to do and avoid today.
Do’s:
- Attend a Good Friday service and think about Jesus’ agonising crucifixion.
- Observe a period of quiet from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the most hallowed hour of the day. Also, send Good Friday messages to loved ones.
Don’ts:
- Avoid eating meat; some individuals may want to fast.
- Refrain from washing laundry or bathing after 3 PM, according to Good Friday superstitions.
- Climbing trees and breaching the ground is considered bad luck.
Celebration Ideas for Good Friday
Good Friday and tree planting
This activity is a little more abstract, but planting a tree may help teach your kid the value of remembering Good Friday. Planting a tree symbolises Christ’s rebirth and the prospect of eternal existence. Make careful to explain the symbolism to your children. Tell them that, despite dying on the cross, Jesus rose again three days later and now lives in heaven with God. The tree will be a constant reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
Good Friday good volunteer work
Volunteering may also be an important Good Friday activity for families. Volunteer work may be done at any time of year, but it is especially significant during Holy Week, and Good Friday provides an excellent chance to help people in your community. You and your children can set up a soup kitchen or distribute meals to people in need. The positive feelings you experience will undoubtedly make your Holy Week celebration much more significant.
Have a family picnic
A picnic in the park on Good Friday is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your family. If you have a few extra hours on Good Friday, why not go for a picnic in your local park? It will make for a memorable Good Friday morning/early afternoon gathering for you and your family. Prepare some nutritious food alternatives to take along, such as salads, fruits, and almonds. You may also bring colouring pages and puzzles to keep your children entertained.
Take a fun family trip
Take advantage of the long weekend by heading out of town for a fun family excursion. Consider taking a vacation out of town on Good Friday to a neighbouring city you haven’t been to in a while. The day is designed for introspection and remembering Jesus’ suffering; nevertheless, it may also be a fantastic occasion to reconnect with your family and friends.
Take a look at “The Passion of the Christ”
Watch this incredible retelling of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. This film is a dramatic, violent depiction of the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. It’s a must-see for everyone, but especially for Christian families looking to ponder on the circumstances that led to Jesus’ death. This film contains some highly explicit moments, so parents should discuss it with their children before watching it together.
Holy Friday and Lenten fast
Families should use this holy season to make positive changes in their lives. Fasting from food, drink, and even entertainment helps families to concentrate more on the spiritual and moral principles of Lent.
Baking hot cross buns
Hot cross buns are a traditional meal commemorating Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Baking cross buns is a pleasant Good Friday afternoon pastime that both you and your kids will love. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea while you share tales about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Good Friday good deeds
Giving is one of the most effective methods to communicate God’s love to others around us. Charitable gifts enable families to help others in need while enjoying God’s blessings in return. Consider contributing to charity that helps the most needy members of your community this Lent. Here are some wonderful ideas to get your family interested in charity.
Good Friday and family time
Many families embrace Lent to enhance their relationships and trust in the Lord. During Lent, families may spend quality time together by attending mass, reading devotionals, praying together, and participating in other religious practices. Try to plan activities that focus on spirituality and family, such as viewing a religious movie with your children or attending a prayer service at your local parish.
Read the Bible
During Lent, families can look to the Bible for spiritual inspiration and guidance. Every day of Lent provides a chance to develop our connection with Jesus via scripture.
When your family sits down to read the Gospels together, take time to pray for their needs and seek the Lord’s direction. Reading the Bible is an excellent opportunity to develop your family’s faith and learn about Jesus’ love for humanity.
Cook a Good Friday meal
Catholics fast and avoid eating meat on the day of Christ’s crucifixion. You may cook a special dinner to celebrate Good Friday and enjoy it with your family. For example, you may prepare a simple salad, soup, or pasta meal with a vegetarian alternative. You may even construct a vegan supper with lentil soup, pasta salad, and fruit. Avoid eating meat and instead opt for vegetable-based cuisine.
Engage in the stations of the cross
Catholics engage in the Stations of the Cross throughout Lent to commemorate Christ’s Passion. Catholics traditionally walk the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. You may engage with your children at home by printing out photographs of the stations or go to your local church and participate there. As your family journeys through the Stations of the Cross, think of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice to rescue humanity.
Visit a religious site
If you have the funds and resources, consider going to a holy location on Good Friday. Many Catholics from throughout the world go to Israel, Rome, Vatican City, and other sites of worship to ponder and commemorate Christ’s death. If you desire to make a religious pilgrimage to one of these locations, it might be a life-changing event for your family.
Organise a Good Friday meal
Invite your family and friends to a special supper on Good Friday. Good Friday dinners may be a great way to bring your community together during this week of spiritual contemplation. If you’re searching for a unique and creative way to spend Good Friday with your family, try hosting a communal supper and inviting neighbours and friends around. You might also use this time to tell the narrative of Christ’s death and resurrection to those close to you.
Playing Board Games
Teach your children the meaning of Good Friday in a fun and participatory manner. Board games and puzzles can be an excellent approach to help youngsters comprehend the Gospel of Jesus’ sacrifice enjoyably and engagingly. Several online resources incorporate biblical stories and ideas, or you may print off the game materials yourself. You might use these to have a serious conversation with your children about the significance of Christ’s crucifixion and death.
Go on a religious retreat
Take some time out of your hectic schedule for spiritual restoration and introspection. Spiritual retreats may be a powerful opportunity for your family to focus on Christ’s sacrificial love, as well as a terrific way to enhance family bonds. Many churches and other religious organisations offer spiritual retreats during Holy Week, so plan ahead of time if you want to go.
Prepare for Easter Celebration
Prepare your home for a large Easter celebration with your family. Easter is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, so after participating in Good Friday traditions and rituals, prepare them for an unforgettable Easter celebration. Prepare your home and garden for the festivities of Christ’s Resurrection. Don’t forget to prepare your Easter eggs for the egg hunt and announce what you’ll be cooking for the customary Easter supper.
Conclusion
Finally, Good Friday is a day to ponder and express thankfulness for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. It is a moment to recall the triumph of good over evil and to observe rituals that represent the day’s significance. Sending Good Friday thoughts and greetings to loved ones is a wonderful way to share the joy of the holiday.