Why is it called Good Friday? And other misunderstood Holy day names

Hyderabad: Across cultures and religions, certain days are marked as sacred—rich with ritual, meaning, and tradition. But occasionally, these names cause confusion, especially when they seem at odds with the events they commemorate. One such case? Good Friday.

At first glance, the name can feel paradoxical. How can a day marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—a brutal and sorrowful moment in Christian tradition—be called “good”? This article dives into the origin of that name and explores other holy days whose titles have often been misinterpreted or misunderstood.

Why Is It Called “Good Friday”?

Good Friday is observed by Christians worldwide as the day Jesus was crucified—suffering one of the most painful deaths known to humanity, followed by burial in a tomb. It’s a solemn, reflective day. There are no celebratory hymns, and church altars are stripped bare. So the name, for many, raises eyebrows.

The Word “Good” Didn’t Always Mean What It Means Today

In Old and Middle English, the word “good” had broader meanings. It could mean “holy,” “pious,” or even “beneficial.” In that light, “Good Friday” might simply mean “Holy Friday.”

In fact, some languages make this meaning clearer:

In German, it’s Karfreitag, meaning “Sorrowful Friday.”

In Spanish, it’s Viernes Santo – “Holy Friday.”

In French, Vendredi Saint – again, “Holy Friday.”

The “good” in Good Friday likely reflects the theological significance of Jesus’s sacrifice—not the nature of the events themselves. Christians believe Jesus’s death, though tragic, was necessary for the redemption of humanity, making it ultimately “good” in its purpose.

Misunderstood Holy Day Names (And What They Really Mean)

Let’s unpack a few other religious or cultural day names that are often taken at face value—and misunderstood.

Ash Wednesday

What it sounds like: A day of mourning or destruction.

What it really is: The first day of Lent in Christianity, where ashes are placed on the foreheads of believers to symbolize mortality and repentance. The ashes often come from the burned palm leaves of the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

It’s a somber beginning to a 40-day journey of reflection, sacrifice, and preparation for Easter—not a “tragic” day but a meaningful one.

Maundy Thursday

What it sounds like: Confusing. What’s a “Maundy”?

What it really is: The Thursday before Easter, commemorating The Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin “mandatum,” meaning “commandment.”

It references Jesus’s words: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you.” The day focuses on humility, service, and the deep bonds of spiritual community.

Easter

What it sounds like: A spring holiday with bunnies and chocolate.

What it really is: The most important celebration in the Christian calendar—marking Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. The name “Easter” may derive from Eostre, a pre-Christian goddess of spring and renewal in Anglo-Saxon traditions. This blending of pagan and Christian roots often confuses its spiritual significance.

Despite modern commercialization, Easter is deeply sacred, symbolizing hope, renewal, and eternal life.

Black Friday (Bonus: Not a Holy Day, But Still Misunderstood)

What it sounds like: Something tragic or dark.

What it really is: The day after Thanksgiving, known for its massive sales and shopping frenzy.

Interestingly, the term originally had negative connotations. In 1960s Philadelphia, police used “Black Friday” to describe the chaos caused by hordes of shoppers and traffic. Retailers later reframed it—saying it was the day businesses went from being “in the red” (loss) to “in the black” (profit).

Why Names Matter

Holy days carry emotional, spiritual, and communal weight. Their names, however, don’t always translate clearly across time or cultures. In a world where language evolves, and religious traditions are often lived outside their original linguistic contexts, it’s no surprise that names like “Good Friday” create confusion.

But when we pause to explore the linguistic, historical, and theological roots, the meaning becomes clearer. Good Friday isn’t “good” because of what happened—but because of what that moment means to billions of believers: redemption, love, and the triumph of hope over suffering.

Final Thoughts

Words shape perception. By better understanding the roots of these sacred names, we move closer not just to clarity—but to compassion. Whether you observe these days or simply encounter them in culture, learning their true meaning helps bridge gaps and build respect across faiths, languages, and histories.

So the next time you hear “Good Friday,” remember: it may not be joyful, but to many, it’s deeply good.