Good Friday

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. This year, this date falls on April 2, 2010. It is a Christian holiday which honors the crucifixion and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Good Friday is known around the world by several names, including Great Friday, Sad Friday, and Holy Friday. It is believed that on Good Friday Jesus walked the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem on his way to be crucified.

Those who celebrate Good Friday hold it to be a commemoration of the day that Jesus Christ died on the cross after being crucified. Christ's crucifixion, they believe, was followed by his resurrection. The location of his death is said to be at Calvary. The estimated date of the original Good Friday is thought to be 33 BCE.

The Bible offers an account of the events that are believed by many to have occurred around that time. The Gospels describe how Jesus was arrested and later questioned about whether or not he was the son of God. After answering that he was in fact the son of God, he is found to be a blasphemer and sentenced to death.

Good Friday is observed as a public holiday in countries with strong Christian roots. In other countries who do not celebrate Good Friday as a public holiday, churches often offer later services in the day for those who would like to attend but work during the day.

In some countries shop owners close their stores down for the day and limit television and radio advertising. An example of such a country would be Singapore. In the country of Ireland, alcohol is prohibited from being sold and many restaurants are closed entirely on date. Germany prohibits comedy performances and public dancing on this day.

• Catholics may receive communion on Holy Thursday, the day before Good Friday.http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090409/NEWS01/904090424
• The liturgical color worn on Good Friday is red. http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090409/NEWS01/904090424
• The Passion, the story of the crucifixion of Jesus, is a traditional part of the Good Friday service. http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090409/NEWS01/904090424
• Traditionally, crosses, images and symbols of Jesus are covered in black on Good Friday to symbolize the mourning of his death. http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090409/NEWS01/904090424
• The Sacred Triduum begins on Holy Thursday, continues the next day, Good Friday and ends with the Great Vigil on Saturday evening. http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090409/NEWS01/904090424