Why is Good Friday ‘good’? 5 things to know

As Christians gear up to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, they first remember His suffering, crucifixion, and death that occurred on what is known as Good Friday.

Also known as “Holy Friday,” Good Friday is part of Holy Week that centers on remembering the Messiah’s earthly death on the cross. Various traditions are associated with the observance, from wearing black to eating hot cross buns.

Many have common questions about the observance. Why is it called “good” when centered on something so painful? Why do some churches observe the holy day on a different date each year than others?

The following pages highlight five things to know about Good Friday.