So what's good about Good Friday?

Posted on Fri, Apr 2, 2010 : 6 a.m.

photo by Flickr user SantiMB

Christians worldwide mark the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ this Friday, a day traditionally known as Holy Friday, Good Friday, Black Friday, or Great Friday.

Some may ask, if this day marks the death of Christ, why do people call it "good"?

It's a good question.

Some say it's a designation peculiar to the English language. In Germany, the day is called Karfreitag , which loosely translates to mourning.

Several old English phrases have replaced God with Good over time, as in the phrase "God be with you" becoming simply "good-bye". It is possible that the original term "God's Friday" has become Good Friday.

Others suggest that the name derives from Jesus' final act of sacrifice as described in the New Testament. Shortly before his death, according to scripture, Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34). Christians believe this reflects Jesus' teaching of forgiveness, including those who might seem to oppose or even attack them.

The events of Good Friday foreshadow Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday, according to Christian belief.