In the context of Christian tradition and the Bible, "Black Friday" refers to Good Friday, a profound and solemn day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. This usage of "Black Friday" is distinct from the modern commercial shopping event.
Good Friday is a pivotal Christian holy day, observed annually during Holy Week as an integral part of the Paschal Triduum, which also includes Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
The Significance of Black Friday (Good Friday)
The day is considered "black" or "good" for several reasons:
- Solemnity and Sorrow: It marks the darkest event in Christian theology – the suffering and death of Jesus. The "black" aspect signifies the sorrow, mourning, and the perceived triumph of evil at that moment.
- Divine Plan: Despite the tragedy, it is seen as "good" because it represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for the redemption of humanity's sins, fulfilling God's divine plan for salvation. It is through his death that resurrection and new life become possible.
- Biblical Foundation: The events of Good Friday are detailed in all four Gospels of the New Testament (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19), describing Jesus' trial, crucifixion on Calvary, and burial.
Other Names for Good Friday
Good Friday is known by several other names across various Christian denominations, reflecting its deep theological importance:
| Name | Connotation / Meaning |
|---|---|
| Holy Friday | Emphasizes its sacred and consecrated nature. |
| Great Friday | Highlights the profound significance of the events it commemorates. |
| Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord | Directly links it to the Passion of Christ. |
| Great and Holy Friday | A common designation in Eastern Orthodox traditions. |
Black Friday in Contrast to Modern Usage
It is crucial to differentiate this biblical or religious "Black Friday" from the contemporary commercial "Black Friday." The latter is an informal name for the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, marking the beginning of the Christmas shopping season and known for significant retail sales. This commercial term has no historical or theological connection to the Bible or Christian holy days.
The "Black Friday" associated with the Bible universally refers to the somber yet ultimately redemptive day of Jesus' crucifixion.
