This year, Good Friday will be commemorated on April 15. It is observed every year before Easter Sunday and after Maundy Thursday. Also known as Black Friday, Holy Friday or Easter Friday, the day marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

From origin to importance, here’s everything you need to know about the holiday.

History of Good Friday

While this was the day when Jesus Christ was crucified, the origin of ‘Good’ comes from ‘pious’ and ‘holy’.  Accounts in the Gospels mention the incident when royal soldiers arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane after Judas Iscariot identified him to them with a kiss on his cheek.

Jesus carried his cross to the site of execution, which is called the “place of skull” or Golgotha. He died around AD 30 or AD 33 and was put to death by the Romans on the Hill of Calvary. 

Also read: What happens when a feast day falls on Friday during Lent? Here’s the answer

Why Good Friday is important

Christians believe that Jesus took away all the sins of the world with his death. “Jesus suffered for the sins of the whole world and that as a result of his sacrificial death, humanity was purged of their sin and their sinful nature,” the Bible says.

How Good Friday is observed

People, who observe Good Friday, attend Church services together. They observe fast to seeks Jesus Christ’s blessings. A prayer meeting is held at 3 pm as it is believed that Jesus left for heaven at this exact moment. Some believers wear black and stay mum all day to observe this sorrowful day.