Good Friday vs. Easter Monday — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 9, 2023
Good Friday commemorates Jesus' crucifixion; Easter Monday celebrates His resurrection's aftermath.
Difference Between Good Friday and Easter Monday
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Good Friday is a Christian holiday that solemnly commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum. Easter Monday, on the other hand, is the day after Easter Sunday and is celebrated as a public holiday in many countries. It marks the aftermath of Jesus Christ's resurrection, which is a foundational event in Christianity.
While Good Friday is characterized by mourning, reflection, and often fasting, Easter Monday carries the joy of the resurrection, with many viewing it as a continuation of Easter celebrations. Both Good Friday and Easter Monday are significant in the Christian liturgical calendar, yet they represent different aspects of the same story. Good Friday focuses on sacrifice and atonement, whereas Easter Monday emphasizes victory, hope, and renewal.
Comparison Chart
Significance
Commemoration of Jesus' crucifixion
Celebration of the aftermath of Jesus' resurrection
Mood
Solemn and reflective
Joyful and celebratory
Position in Week
Friday before Easter
Monday after Easter
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Observance
Fasting, prayer, church services
Public holidays, continued Easter celebrations
Symbolism
Sacrifice and atonement
Victory, hope, and renewal
Compare with Definitions
Good Friday
A day of fasting for many Christians.
On Good Friday, many abstain from meat as a form of penance.
Easter Monday
The day following Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday is often a public holiday in various countries.
Good Friday
A day marking Jesus' crucifixion.
Many Christians attend church on Good Friday to remember Christ's sacrifice.
Easter Monday
A continuation of Easter celebrations.
Many families have outings or picnics on Easter Monday.
Good Friday
Commemoration of Christ's death at Calvary.
Good Friday is a somber reflection on the cost of redemption.
Easter Monday
Often a day of rest and relaxation.
After church services on Sunday, Easter Monday is a day to relax with family.
Good Friday
A solemn Christian observance.
Good Friday services often involve reading the Passion narrative.
Easter Monday
Marking the aftermath of Jesus' resurrection.
Easter Monday is a joyful reminder of the hope brought by the resurrection.
Good Friday
Part of the Paschal Triduum.
The events of Good Friday are central to Christian theology.
Easter Monday
A Christian holiday with varied traditions.
In some cultures, Easter Monday involves special dances or games.
Common Curiosities
Is Good Friday a joyful celebration?
No, Good Friday is a solemn and reflective observance, focusing on Christ's sacrifice.
What is the mood associated with Easter Monday?
Easter Monday carries a joyful and celebratory mood, marking the continuation of Easter celebrations.
Do all countries observe Easter Monday as a public holiday?
No, while many countries observe Easter Monday as a public holiday, it varies from one country to another.
What are some common traditions on Easter Monday?
Traditions on Easter Monday vary, but often include family outings, picnics, and continuing Easter celebrations.
Which day follows Easter Sunday?
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday.
How do Christians typically observe Good Friday?
Christians observe Good Friday with prayer, fasting, and attending church services.
What does Good Friday commemorate?
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
What is the significance of Easter Monday?
Easter Monday celebrates the aftermath of Jesus Christ's resurrection and is often a continuation of Easter festivities.
On which day of the week does Good Friday fall?
Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Is Good Friday a global public holiday?
Good Friday is observed as a public holiday in many countries, but not globally.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
