You’ll notice many cultures keep Good Friday quiet. In Bermuda, people fly kites to symbolize Christ’s ascent to heaven. It’s a visual, joyful twist on a solemn theme—wind, string, and hope. Meanwhile, in the UK, hot cross buns are everywhere, their spice mix (cinnamon, nutmeg) thought to preserve the bread for the fasting season.
Why is Good Friday Called Good Friday? – World Wide Christian Ministries
There’s also the tradition of “Plough Monday” offshoots, but here’s a fun fact: in some Caribbean nations, Good Friday is a public holiday where no meat is eaten, only fish and vegetables. It’s a collective pause, a day of quiet reflection before the Easter egg hunt madness.
Practical Tip: Make Your Own “Good” Friday
You don’t have to be religious to appreciate a day of intentional pause. Try a digital fast from noon to 3 PM (the traditional hours of the crucifixion). No notifications, no scrolling. Just sit with a book, a walk, or a quiet cup of tea.
Another idea: bake something. The act of kneading dough is meditative. Even a simple bread recipe, with its waiting and rising, mirrors the waiting of the season. Or watch a film about redemption—The Shawshank Redemption or Les Misérables fit the theme beautifully.
Light a candle in the afternoon. Candles are ancient symbols of Christ as the light of the world, but they also just make any room feel more peaceful. It’s a low-stakes ritual that works whether you’re praying or just breathing.
