good Friday 2024 why is not a holiday on Good Friday

good Friday 2024 why is not a holiday on Good Friday

Good Friday 2024 will be observed on Friday, March 29th. This significant day holds deep reverence for Christians worldwide as it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Calvary, which is located just outside the walls of Jerusalem. On this solemn occasion, believers reflect on the sacrifice and redemption brought forth by Jesus’s selfless act. May this Good Friday be a time of contemplation, devotion, and spiritual renewal for all who observe it.

What is the history of Good Friday 2024?


Good Friday 2024, observed annually on the Friday before Easter, holds deep significance for Christians worldwide. From the early days of Christianity, Good Friday has been a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting. It is the day when Christians commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The exact origins of Good Friday remain unknown, but its celebration dates back to the 4th century.

According to the Bible, Jesus was arrested by royal soldiers and sentenced to death by crucifixion on a Friday. His crucifixion took place outside the walls of Jerusalem, and it is this event that Good Friday commemorates. The name “Good Friday” remains somewhat enigmatic, but it likely derives from “God’s Friday” or “Holy Friday”.

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) suggest that Jesus’ last meal with his disciples was a Passover seder. This places the date of Jesus’ death on 15 Nisan of the Jewish calendar, which corresponds to the first day of Passover.

Christians, however, follow the flexible date of Passover, which aligns with the Jewish lunisolar calendar. As a result, Good Friday falls between March 20 (the earliest possible date for Passover) and April 23, with Easter following two days later.


Early Christianity observed Jesus’ Last Supper, death, and Resurrection in a single commemoration on the evening before Easter. However, since the 4th century, these events have been observed separately, with Easter taking precedence as the pivotal event. Good Friday remains a day of reflection, repentance, and reverence for Christians worldwide. On this solemn day, believers pause to remember the immense sacrifice made by Jesus for humanity’s redemption.


How do people observe Good Friday 2024?

Good Friday, a solemn and significant day in the Christian calendar, is observed in various ways by believers around the world. Here are some common practices associated with Good Friday:


Many Christians attend special Good Friday services at their local churches. These services often include scripture readings, hymns, and sermons that focus on Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, and sacrifice. Some churches also reenact the Stations of the Cross, a series of 14 events depicting Jesus’ journey to Calvary.


Fasting involves refraining from consuming food or certain types of food during specific hours.
Abstinence typically means avoiding meat or other indulgent foods. Believers use this day for deep reflection on the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. They contemplate the suffering, pain, and ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for humanity’s redemption. Some individuals spend time in prayer, meditation, or silence to connect with the spiritual significance of the day.

In some regions, processions are held, where participants walk through the streets carrying a wooden cross. These processions symbolize Jesus’ journey to Golgotha and serve as a public witness to faith.

The Passion narrative, which describes the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, is often read aloud during church services. This narrative is found in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

Good Friday encourages acts of charity and compassion toward others. Some people volunteer at shelters, visit the sick, or engage in other acts of kindness. Good Friday is a day of solemnity, and believers often avoid engaging in festive or celebratory activities. Some refrain from unnecessary conversations or entertainment.

Artistic representations of the Crucifixion are displayed in churches and homes. Passion plays, choral music, and hymns related to Jesus’ sacrifice are performed.

Unlike other Sundays, there is no celebration of the Holy Communion on Good Friday. The focus remains on Jesus’ suffering and death. From noon to 3:00 PM, believers often observe the Three Hours’ Agony. During this time, they reflect on the Seven Last Words spoken by Jesus from the cross.



Why is Good Friday 2024 not a federal holiday in the US?
Good Friday 2024, a significant Christian holiday observed two days before Easter Sunday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. Here’s why:

Good Friday has deep religious significance, marking the day of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.
Despite its importance to Christians, it does not hold the same status as federal holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving.


Federal holidays are established by the government and apply to all federal employees.
Good Friday, being a religious observance, is not automatically designated as a federal holiday.
The U.S. government recognizes 11 official federal holidays, and Good Friday is not among them.

While Good Friday is not a federal holiday, 12 states do recognize it as a state holiday, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas, and Tennessee. In these states, government offices and courts may be closed, and some businesses may also observe the holiday.

The New York Stock Exchange and other financial markets close on Good Friday by tradition.
However, this closure is not mandated by federal law.
Financial markets also close on other holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Independence Day.

The Office of Personnel Management allows employees to take time off for religious observances not covered by federal holidays. Employees can work alternate hours to accommodate religious practices.
Religious compensatory time off can be earned within specific pay periods.


Conclusion

Good Friday 2024 holds immense religious significance, its absence as a federal holiday reflects the separation between religious observances and government-designated holidays in the United States. Remember that Good Friday is a day of reverence, humility, and gratitude, as Christians commemorate the central event of their faith, the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.