Good question.

In German, Good Friday is called Karfreitag, Frietag denotes Friday, while Kar, a word no longer in use today, denotes mourning. Norwegians call it 'Long Friday', people from Latin countries call it 'Holy Friday' while Hungarians call it 'Great Friday'.

So why do English speaking nations call this day, which is quintessentially a day of mourning, Good Friday?

It is believed that the term 'Good Friday' was actually derived from the term 'God's Friday' just as 'Good' in the term 'goodbye' is derived from 'God be with ye'.

Another school of thought believes that when Jesus was crucified, he took upon himself the sufferings of all humanity. He thus 'blessed' us on this day, by sparing us from suffering, and hence the term 'Good Friday'.

Jesus was resurrected the following Sunday: Easter Sunday. This day is marked with celebration and festivity. The act of crucifixion paved the way for his resurrection and humanity's belief in love, God and providence was restored. In this manner, Good Friday celebrates the spirit of triumph over any tragedy, even death.

Read more about Good Friday.

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