Good Friday: Some interesting facts you shouldn't miss

Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ who, as believed, died for our sins. Jesus was betrayed by Judas, after which he was sentenced to death for claiming to be the Son of God. Good Friday is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday, or Easter Friday.



Let's read some interesting facts on Good Friday:

1. Jesus was crucified on this day. Judas, one of Jesus' 12 supporters, betrayed Jesus by kissing him and hence, exposing him to the chief priests
2. After Jesus was arrested, he was beaten and spit on, and a crown of thorns was placed on his head
3. Nails were driven through his wrists, and ankles
4. Jesus was then placed on a cross that held the inscription which read 'The King of the Jews'
5. The etymology of 'good', in the framework of Good Friday, is a topic that has been contested over years
6. The day has been claimed to be good to simply mean pious or holy, while others claimed it to be corruption of 'God Friday'
7. In addition to the other services, the Stations of the Cross known as the Three Hours' Agony are often prayed. The stations are as follows:

          1st Station: Jesus is condemned to death

          2nd Station: Jesus carries his cross

          3rd Station: Jesus falls the first time

          4th Station: Jesus meets his mother

          5th Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross

          6th Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

          7th Station: Jesus falls the second time

          8th Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem



          9th Station: Jesus falls a third time

          10th Station: Jesus' clothes are taken away

          11th Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

          12th Station: Jesus dies on the cross

          13th Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross

          14th Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

In German-speaking countries, Good Friday is generally referred to as Karfreitag meaning Mourning Friday
In typical Orthodox services, people mourn the crucifixion of Christ by taking down the cross and recounting the story of Jesus' last days, which is called the Passion of Christ
Altars remain bare on this day a life-sized cross is placed at the centre of the altar for the parishioners to kiss or touch
Many Good Friday services end with the church bell toiling 33 times for each year of Jesus' earthly life