Good Friday Traditions: What to Do and What to Avoid

Good Friday, the final Friday before Easter and the end of Lent, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day marked by customs and religious observances in many Christian communities, including Romania.

Traditions and Religious Observance

Christians observe black fasting on Good Friday, refraining from food and drink to honor the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Special church services such as the Royal Hours and Vespers are held, during which the Epitaphios (Holy Shroud) is brought out and placed in the center of the church for veneration.

In Romania, a common tradition involves women visiting cemeteries to light candles and mourn departed loved ones, reflecting the somber nature of the day.

What You Should Do

• Early morning rituals: Homes are traditionally cleansed with incense, with families walking around the house three times for protection and blessing.

• Weather lore: Rain on Good Friday is considered a sign of a bountiful year; if it doesn’t rain, the year may be dry.

• Healing customs: In some areas, people immerse themselves in cold water three times on this day for health throughout the year.

• Cultural beliefs: In Moldova, getting a haircut on Good Friday is believed to protect against illness.

• Returning from church: In earlier times, people brought lit candles home from church as a symbol of spiritual light and protection.

• Tree protection: Trees are sometimes smoked with incense to guard them from pests and disease.

• Barefoot dew ritual: In certain regions, people run barefoot through morning dew before sunrise for purification and good health.

• Fasting benefits: Black fasting is also thought to cure skin conditions and ensure overall well-being.

What You Should Avoid

• Baking and cooking: No bread or cakes are baked, as it’s believed doing so would “burn the hands of the Virgin Mary.”

• Certain foods: Nettles are avoided because of their symbolic association with the suffering of Christ, and vinegar is not used, recalling the moment Jesus was offered vinegar on the cross.

• Animal sacrifice: Traditionally, no animals are slaughtered on Good Friday.

• Easter preparations: Housewives refrain from frying eggs or making Easter foods.

• Agricultural work: Farmers avoid working or planting in the fields, as it’s believed the crops will not grow.

• House chores: Activities like mowing, washing clothes, or cleaning are discouraged.

• Haircuts: In contrast to the Moldovan belief, some superstitions say visiting the barber on this day could result in misfortune or the loss of a loved one.

Good Friday remains a deeply spiritual day rooted in both religious observance and folkloric traditions, especially in Romania, where centuries-old customs still shape how people mark this sacred time.