Good Friday is here! Everything to know from what is the holy holiday to what's open, closed

Good Friday is here, but what does the holy holiday mean and is it a federally celebrated holiday?

The Christian holiday arrives three days before Easter every year and kicks off one of the most important weekends in the life of faithful Christians around the world.

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Here's what you need to know about Good Friday:

What is the meaning of Good Friday? Why is it celebrated?

The Friday before Easter is known as Good Friday in the Christian faith, according to christianity.com.

The holy day recognizes when Jesus Christ was crucified and died on the cross at Calvary as the ultimate sacrifice for people's sins (1 John 1:10). The website notes the Christian holiday is also known as Black Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday and Holy Friday.

Good Friday recognizes what Christians believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world, accordin to the website.

What do Catholics do on Good Friday?

The Stations of the Cross — a 14-step devotion often performed by Catholics during Lent and especially on Good Friday — commemorate the events of the holy day, according to catholic.org. The Acts of Reparation may also be prayed.

The website states The Stations of the Cross are commonly recited throughout Lent on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Can you eat meat on Good Friday?

Good Friday is a day of fasting within the Catholic church, according to catholic.org.

Good Friday marks the ultimate day of forgiveness in the life of Christians, according to christianty.com.

Good Friday is appropriately names because of the "good news" of why Jesus went through his suffering and death − as horrible as his death was. The website says Jesus' sacrifice marked the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save his people from their sins.

Good Friday is not a federal holiday, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Most banks should be open on Good Friday, according to The Federal Reserve.

Is the post office open on Good Friday 2024? Is there mail?

The United States Postal Service will be open on Good Friday and all mail will be delivered as normal.

Is the stock market open on Good Friday 2024?

The stock market is closed on March 29 for Good Friday, according to nyse.com.

What is the meaning of Easter?

Easter is the Christian holiday that follows Good Friday, according to chrisianity.com.

Easter is a celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead. The website explains the holy day marks Jesus' victory over sin and death, as well as points ahead to a future resurrection for anyone who is united to Jesus by their faith (Romans 6:5).

Chris Sims is a digital content producer for Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.