Every religion has its own significant celebrations. Most of these celebrations have certain anecdotes or historical reasons associated with them. Primarily rooted in the canals of history, such celebrations have been rejoiced since centuries. When we think of Christianity, we often remember Christmas as the basic celebration. But apart from Xmas, there is one very important festival, Good Friday that has its roots in the journey of Jesus Christ.
The birth occasion of Christ is celebrated with fanfare. It is vividly rejoiced by the devotees. But once this period of exultation is over, his followers pursue a time of fasting and penance. This period starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday. Known as Lent, this period of fasting is celebrated more as following the example of Jesus Christ. It is believed that Jesus fasted for forty days in harsh dessert before he began his preaching. It was his way of overcoming evil power. By following the rituals of prayer and fasting, Jesus set the precedent of austerities.
There is a certain procedure in celebrating Good Friday. It starts with a plank of wood that represents cross on which Christ is displayed in churches for the veneration of believers. Followers come in an orderly fashion and kiss the plank. From noon to 3 o’ clock, narratives from the four gospels are read. This is followed by several ceremonies including prayers, sermons and meditations. These ceremonies act as ways to remember Jesus’ sufferings. Finally, at midnight a general communion service is held. On Good Friday, the bells of the churches are silent. This is a day of prayer and penance.
Good Friday gives us a message that evil can only be conquered by goodness. Hatred is always won over by love and not hatred itself. It is a day when Jesus died on the cross and most of the ceremonies are a way to express sorrow and pain.
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