The Atlanta Journal - Constitution
15 Apr 2022
It is said that you do not wish anyone A HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY since it isn’t a ‘happy’ day.
Christians believe Jesus was mocked publicly and crucified on a solemn Friday two thousand years ago. Today, the calamitous day is celebrated as Good Friday.
But what’s so good about that?
There are multiple theories as to why the word GOOD is attached to this day.
One answer is that at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, “good” may have referred to “holy” in Old English, a linguistic theory supported by many language experts.
Another theory is that because Jesus couldn’t have been resurrected on Easter Sunday without dying, the day of his death is, in a sense, “good.” The Resurrection of Jesus signifies his victory over death and sin.
A third answer, some believe, is that the "good" in Good Friday was derived from "God" or "God's Friday" — the way the term "goodbye" comes from a contraction of the phrase "God Be With You."
The Catholic Encyclopedia mentions that, in the Greek Church, the holiday is known as "the Holy and Great Friday." In German, it's referred to as "Sorrowful Friday."
And as aforementioned, “Sacred Friday” and “Passion Friday” are also used.
In addition, because the holiday is also commemorated with a long fast, Good Friday was also referred to as “Long Friday” by the Anglo-Saxons.
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