5 interesting facts about Good Friday that you need to know 

The season of spring brings with its warmer winds several religious festivals of frolic and joy in the Western world. Although Easter is the most popular one, Good Friday is also a significant day which is enriched with history and tradition. This Christian holiday falls on April 15 this year, and commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Christians and Catholics around the world fast on this day, and also pray and reflect. This prelude to Easter is recognised and observed world over, but is also sprinkled with some unique traditions native to the place. Read on to learn some interesting trivia about Good Friday. 

It shifts dates each year 
Owing to the fact that Easter is a “moveable feast”, Good Friday also sees variations in its dates every year. It can take place anytime between the window of March 20 and April 23. However, as its name clearly suggests, it always falls on a Friday. Its date in a particular year is entirely dependent on the lunar calendar, more specifically the first moon to shine in the night sky following the spring equinox.  

Hot cross buns are a positive superstition on Good Friday 
Hot cross buns are spiced sweet buns which are usually made with fruit. What sets them apart is the cross marked on the top. These scrumptious treats are traditionally baked on Good Friday and are reserved to be devoured on Easter Sunday. They are believed to be good luck. According to superstitions, the buns baked on this day can never get spoiled. It is also believed that they can avoid or protect one from shipwrecks and shield houses from fire. An old legend also maintains that sharing them will ensure a strong friendship between people for a year.  

Jamaica follows a unique egg tradition on this day 
Eggs usually show up on Easter, during the extremely fun Easter egg hunts. However, the Jamaicans bring them out early on Good Friday instead. According to the Jamaican Good Friday tradition, an egg needs to be cracked before sunrise with only the egg white being added to a glass of water. Patterns start forming in the glass as the rising sun slowly heats it up. Many people also believe that the white swirls which are formed in it can predict how a person will die in the future. 

No one knows why it is called “Good Friday” 
The origins of its name still remain unknown. Although there are a ton of theories related to it, none of them have enough evidence backing them. Many people think that it is because the word “good” also stands for “holy”, while according to others, the word “good” is a gradual change from the word “God.” However, it is also referred to by other names such as Easter Friday, Holy Friday, Great Friday and Silent Friday. 

Across the world, church bells toll 33 times on this day 
Churches all over the world observe a tradition of tolling the bell 33 times. This is a way of remembering Jesus Christ’s life on Earth which lasted for 33 years until he was crucified. It is also regarded as a way of commemorating his death.