Is Good Friday a Public Holiday?
Good Friday in Australia is considered a public holiday in all Australian states. However, some states and regions follow different guidelines. This means that shops, retail stores, schools, organisations, offices and academic universities and colleges remain closed on this day. Some businesses may follow a restricted working schedule on this day. Good Friday is counted as one of the main school holidays.
On the other hand, the shops located in the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory remain functional. On this day, Australian Government practices tight restrictions on the sale of alcohol on this day in several states. A change in the schedule for Public transport services can be witnessed on the day of Good Friday.
Why is it called ’Good Friday’?
Good Friday History holds great significance for the followers. As it is evidently known that Jesus Christ was crucified on a Cross on this day, even then it is called a “Good” Friday. Ever wondered why it is called “Good Friday”? We have come up with the reason why this day was considered Holy and given the adjective “Good”. Undoubtedly, followers of Christianity perceive this day as the “Triumph Of Good Over Sin & Devil” and marks the end of Christ’s pain and sufferings that he took upon himself for the sake of humanity. It was only after this day that he was able to ascend to heaven and the resurrect.
It was on the day of Good Friday that Jesus took the wrath of God upon himself and sacrificed his life in order to attain salvation for mankind. Hence, this day saw the greatest triumph and came to be known as Good Friday.
Ideologies of Orthodox Christians in Australia
Australia consists of a wide population of several Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Christians, who still follow the traditional Julian Calendar even when the Gregorian Calendar has been introduced in Europe. With this, the date of observance for Good Friday differs for these natives in comparison to the date followed by Western Churches.
Orthodox Christian natives fast on the holy day of Good Friday and mourn the death of Jesus Christ. Since this day commemorates Jesus’s Crucifixion, spring flowers are gathered, Liturgies are organized and a procession is carried out.
Good Friday Traditions in Australia
Churches in Australia organize Church Services usually during the afternoon, mainly between 12-3 PM, since it is believed that Jesus Christ was crucified during these hours. A theatrical enactment is also carried out by some churches on this day, where the whole process of how Jesus Christ was crucified and his last hours is enacted by actors. Below are some Good Friday traditions prevalent in Australia:
1.Delicious Food: Several Catholic Christians fast on this holy day since they consider this day as a symbol of mourning. Only three meals without any meat are consumed. Traditionally, Hot Buns with Cross on top are usually eaten on this day and consist of different types of spices and raisins.
2.Prayers and Services: Night Vigils, Prayer sessions and processions are carried out on this day. Churches organize special services on the day of Good Friday. People mourn the death of Jesus Christ and seek his forgiveness.
3.Sporting Events: Since Good Friday marks the beginning of a long weekend, several sporting events are organized in Australia. One of the most famous sporting events is held in Tasmania known as the Three Peaks Race, which is known to be a three-tiered event. Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is another popular sporting event held on this day.
Good Friday Celebrations in Australia
In Australia, Good Friday kick-starts the beginning of a four-day-long weekend and is recognized as one of the main Holidays 2021. This day falls before Easter, and is observed as a public holiday in major parts of Australia. People take this opportunity to follow rituals and traditions, teach their kids the significance of this day and spend time with their loved ones.
Church Members fast on this day, especially those belonging from Catholic Churches, organize Night Vigils and consume Three small meals without any meat. However, some people may include Fish as a part of their meal instead of meat. It is believed that since Jesus Christ sacrificed himself and was crucified on the day of Good Friday, consuming meat is considered a sin. According to Roman Catholic customs, eating the meat of warm-blooded animals on this day is considered prohibited. This is why Fish became a common choice for meat.
Hot Buns with Cross marked on top is eaten on this day with either jam, bread or any kind of spread. This is a traditional delicacy gorged on since ages. Also, the sale of Alcohol is prohibited on this day, which is why no such drink is consumed.
Several theatrical versions of this festival are organized across several churches for public entertainment. Church Bells are said to toll 33 times not only in Australia but around the world.
Good Friday Wishes
- “May On This Good Friday We Start It With Fasting & Prayers So That We Can Bring God’s Mercy & Forgiveness On All Mankind Let’s Pray Together.”
- “May The Loving-Kindness Of The Most High God Be With You As You Take The Time To Reverence His Name This Good Friday.”
- “Life Is A Maybe, Death Is For Sure. Sin Is The Cause, Christ Is The Cure! Happy Good Friday!”
- “May The Sacrifice Of Our Savior Be The Inspiration For You To Go Forward And Follow The Light Of Redemption. Have A Blissful Time On This Holy Easter Friday!”
- “May The Love For Jesus In Your Heart Grow Stronger By Each Day. May You Always Be Surrounded By Love And Care Of Our Sweet Lord. Heartfelt Good Friday Greetings To You!”
Good Friday Observances
| సంవత్సరం | వార రోజు | తేదీ | పేరు | సెలవు రకం |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | శుక్ర | 19 ఏప్రిల్ | Good Friday | జాతీయ సెలవు /పరిమితం చేయబడిన వ్యాపార సెలవు |
| 2020 | శుక్ర | 10 ఏప్రిల్ | Good Friday | జాతీయ సెలవు /పరిమితం చేయబడిన వ్యాపార సెలవు |
| 2021 | శుక్ర | 2 ఏప్రిల్ | Good Friday | జాతీయ సెలవు /పరిమితం చేయబడిన వ్యాపార సెలవు |
| 2022 | శుక్ర | 15 ఏప్రిల్ | Good Friday | జాతీయ సెలవు /పరిమితం చేయబడిన వ్యాపార సెలవు |
| 2023 | శుక్ర | 7 ఏప్రిల్ | Good Friday | జాతీయ సెలవు /పరిమితం చేయబడిన వ్యాపార సెలవు |
| 2024 | శుక్ర | 29 మార్చి | Good Friday | జాతీయ సెలవు /పరిమితం చేయబడిన వ్యాపార సెలవు |
| 2025 | శుక్ర | 18 ఏప్రిల్ | Good Friday | జాతీయ సెలవు /పరిమితం చేయబడిన వ్యాపార సెలవు |
FAQs
1. Can I eat fish on Good Friday?
Eating the meat of warm-blooded animals on this day is considered prohibited. This is why Fish became a common choice for meat.
2. Are we allowed to listen to music on Good Friday?
As people mourn on the day of Good Friday, listening to music is not considered an ideal choice. Although some choose to listen to classical and traditional music.
3. Is Good Friday a bank holiday in Australia?
Yes, Good Friday is considered as a bank holiday in Australia.
4. Are there popular cultural events organized in Australia on Good Friday?
Several sporting events are organized in Australia, such as the Three Peaks Race in Tasmania, and Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.
Good Friday Celebrations in Other Countries
From the above information, it is evident that Good Friday 2021 in Australia is commemorated on 2 ఏప్రిల్, శుక్రవారం in the memory of Jesus Christ and marks the day he was crucified for mankind’s sins. We hope you have liked this article on Good Friday in Australia. Thank you for being an important part of AstroSage.