Good Friday in Georgia: Celebration, customs and traditions

What does Good Friday symbolize for Christians

This day in Christianity is associated with the judgment and crucifixion of Christ on the cross. An important moment for memories is the removal of Jesus from the cross and his burial. It is about this event that services are held. It is noteworthy that Liturgies are not held, but Royal Hours are performed.

The ministers of the church together with the parishioners take part in the reading of prayers three times:

• Matins begins with consecutive recollections of the events of Friday afternoon, it is called the "Twelve Gospels”;
• during the Royal Hours, the narratives of each evangelist are read out;
• Vespers implies the reading of a composite Gospel, during which a special canon is performed and the shroud is taken out.

It is believed that Red Friday (red color symbolizes the blood and suffering of Christ) this is a day of mourning. On this day, the meaning of mortal and earthly existence is lost. However, the atmosphere of the upcoming miracle envelops all believers.

What can and cannot be done on Good Friday

To Georgia for Easter it is considered the strictest day of Lent. It is recommended to completely abstain from food before taking out the shroud. Then it is allowed to taste special bread and drink water.

Just like on other days of fasting, it is worth giving up worldly worries. It is for this purpose that Good Friday is declared a day off in Georgia, so that all residents can visit the church and avoid temptations on this day as much as possible.

Embroidery, knitting, carpentry and carpentry are prohibited on Red Friday. It is absolutely impossible to hammer nails (there is an analogy with hammering nails into a cross). In general, it is better to avoid any kind of activity and spend the whole day in prayer and worship. It is not for nothing that this day is recognized as the most mournful and sad day in the history of the Christian religion.

Therefore, if someone's birthday falls on Good Friday, it is better to postpone the celebration. After all, having fun and laughing on the day of sorrow will not bring happiness in the coming year, but only tears and grief.

Georgian customs for Good Friday

There are many beliefs and will accept, related to Easter week and specifically to the Friday before Easter. One of the main traditions is to paint eggs. In Georgia, it is on Friday before sunset that eggs are painted.

Now they began to paint eggs in a variety of colors, and previously they used only madder roots and red onion husks. This gave the eggs a red color, symbolizing the blood shed by Jesus and the sacrifice he made.

Georgian folk signs

In addition to the above-mentioned traditions and prohibitions on idle fun, there are several other features that the residents of Georgia adhere to on Good Friday.

• getting drunk on this day – there is a risk of becoming an alcoholic;
• spit on the ground – angels and Saints will turn away;
• conceive a child – a sick child or a future malicious criminal will be born;
• sow the grain – there will be no harvest;
• wash clothes – when drying, blood will appear on it;
• pierce the earth with iron – wait for misfortune.

Georgians also like to guess on this day, looking out of the window at dawn. The main thing is not to talk to anyone until you see someone on the street. For example, a bird is considered a harbinger of good news and new acquaintances. A dog and a cat portend wealth and success, a family means peace and harmony, and an old man or a disabled person brings sad news.

According to legend, bread baked on this day does not mold. In addition, he cures all diseases. Especially good if homemade cakes turned out to be lush and rosy. It is a symbol of success and prosperity. If the dough did not work out, it is worth preparing for bad news.

We invite you to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Easter by visiting the magnificent churches and cathedrals of Tbilisi, where you can experience unique emotions and learn about the traditions of the Georgian people.