Good Friday
"And they bring him into the place called Golgotha, which being interpreted is, the place of Calvary. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh. But he took it not. And crucifying him, they divided his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour: and they crucified him." -Mark 15:22-25
posted by Publia at 8:30 AM
4 Comments:
But the burning question for me is (not being religious), when did Good Friday become a national holiday? I don't ever remember it being a corporate or government holiday till about 5 years ago.
What changed?
It isn't a national holiday; it cannot be one. All government offices are open; it is a stock exchange holiday, however. It used to be a school holiday here in Illinois; that has now been prohibited for the obvious reasons.
Here in the Chicago area there are many people who do not want to work for religious reasons and some businesses close. As they are privately owned, that is allowed. If people go to visit their families, they usually want to leave Thursday or Friday morning, either for the long weekend aspect, or to attend Good Friday services.
Europe essentially shuts down at the end of Thursday until Tuesday, taking Easter Monday as a holiday also. Much of the rest of the Christian world (with established churches) also closes.
Because Passover is the week before Easter, some schools take Spring Break that week to avoid any hint of religious reasons for closing. If you live in a highly Catholic community its likely there are many closings; its more likely they won't be for "Good Friday" reasons.
Good Friday is NOT a national holiday, but it may appear to be one due to the small volume of any business transacted that day (many people taking a vacation or personal day for religious observance.)
Hey Neighbor,
What are the "obvious reasons" for the elimination of the school holiday? Christmas is also a school holiday with religious significance. What singles out Good Friday for State elimination?
JBP.
Hi JB,
Christmas is NOT a school holiday; it occurs during Winter Break. There is some court decision out there on Good Friday and church and state, and I think its from Illinois. That decision and others like it are the "obvious reasons." I was just glad to see that the Wilmette schools didn't have school on Good Friday.
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