langfredag

Langfredag, literally “long Friday” in Danish, is the Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, during Holy Week, and is part of the Paschal Triduum that leads to Easter. The name has parallels in other Nordic languages, such as Norwegian Langfredag and Swedish Långfredagen.

Across Christian denominations, Langfredag is typically marked by solemn worship, readings from the Passion narratives, prayers, and often the veneration of the cross. Fasting or penitential practices are common in some traditions. In many churches, music and periods of silence accompany the service, and some communities organize processions or meditations on the crucifixion.

In Denmark and other Nordic countries, Langfredag is a public holiday in which government offices and many businesses operate on reduced hours or close for the day. The day emphasizes contemplation and mourning rather than celebration and serves as the lead-in to Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

Liturgy and customs vary among Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox communities, but the central theme remains the suffering and death of Jesus and the anticipation of resurrection.