https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11945793/Why-call-Good-Friday-Ancient-traditional-Easter-holiday-explained.htmlWhy do we call it Good Friday? Ancient name of traditional Easter holiday is explained
The reason behind the traditional Easter holiday of Good Friday explained
Good Friday is significant in the Christian calendar and falls on 7 April this year
By Zac Campbell
Published: 12:42, 6 April 2023 | Updated: 12:51, 6 April 2023
The long Easter weekend is just around the corner, starting with Good Friday on 7 April. This date is the first of two Bank Holidays to mark the Easter period, the second falling on Easter Monday, 10 April. The Easter weekend gives many people across the UK the chance to have an extended break from work. But why is it called Good Friday? Why is Good Friday celebrated? Is Good Friday a Bank Holiday?
Here is everything you need to know about the traditional Easter holiday.
Why is it called Good Friday?
As Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the etymology of Good Friday originates from religious use of the word 'good', which can be interpreted as meaning 'holy'. Christians believe that, although Good Friday marks the day of Jesus' crucifixion, it can be interpreted as 'good' because it marked the start of his resurrection.
According to Christian beliefs, Easter is a period that should be celebrated in commemoration of Jesus choosing to sacrifice his own life. In 2023, Good Friday falls on Friday, 7 April.
Why is Good Friday celebrated?
Good Friday is celebrated in the Christian faith to mark the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. Whilst observed in sombre fashion by Christians as it was the day of Jesus' death Good Friday gives way to Easter Sunday, which is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection. The Bible records the time of Jesus' death as 3pm, when many Christians will attend a service to mark the occasion.
Is Good Friday a Bank Holiday?
Good Friday, falling on 7 April in 2023, is a designated Bank Holiday across the UK. This precedes a second Bank Holiday over the Easter weekend, which falls on Easter Monday (10 April). These two Bank Holidays precede the early May Bank Holiday, which falls on 1 May. This year, an additional Bank Holiday will occur on Monday, 8 May, to commemorate the official coronation of King Charles III.
