Today is Good Friday. Good Friday is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal triduum (or three days) on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday.
On this day, Jesus was crucified — it is a day of mourning. Good Friday is often referred to as Black Friday. Some people believe the term Good Friday is probably the remainder of what was once called God’s Friday. According to some beliefs, the contradictory word “good” is used to describe this day because the eventual outcome was good.
Several traditions are followed around the world on Good Friday at various places. One tradition that I’ve seen in other countries that I don’t remember seeing here is the ending of the Good Friday service with tolling the church’s bell 33 times. Why 33 times? Because that is the customary age Jesus is believed to have been when he died. According to Luke 3:23 He was about thirty when He began His ministry and John mentions three Passovers during his ministry which brings Him to the age of thirty-three.
One interesting thing about Good Friday is that it’s much older than the celebration of Christmas. Even in the Bible, there is no mention of the of Jesus’ birth but it does specify His crucifixion.
Good Friday is considered the most somber day of the Christian year.
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