Pitkäperjantaina

Pitkäperjantaina, known in English as Good Friday, is a solemn day observed by Christians to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is part of the Easter Triduum, which begins on the evening of Maundy Thursday and ends on Easter Sunday. The day is marked by a focus on penitence, fasting, and reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus.

In many countries, Pitkäperjantaina is a public holiday. Churches often hold special services that are more subdued than those on other Christian holidays. The liturgy typically includes readings from the Gospels detailing the Passion of Christ, prayers of intercession, and a focus on the cross. The absence of the Alleluia and the Gloria is characteristic of the somber mood of the day.

Traditional observances can vary. In some cultures, it is a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. Public entertainment may be restricted, and shops might be closed. The emphasis is on remembering the suffering and death of Jesus and its theological significance for Christians, particularly the belief in his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The day is a profound moment of spiritual introspection before the celebration of Easter.