Good Friday in South Africa

Veneration of the Cross

Veneration of the Cross is another practice also observed by some South Africans during Good Friday. This is a custom wherein Christians (especially those following the teachings of the Catholic churches) show their devotion and reverence towards God by kneeling, bowing, and kissing the cross (cross is the principal symbol of Christianity). This is usually done at the church by forming a line and one person would approach the church’s cross/crucifix one after another. They would then kneel, bow, and often kiss the said cross/crucifix as a sign of their great devotion. This practice is done as one way for a Christian to affirm his/her faith towards Jesus.

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross or also known as the Way of the Cross is another activity observe in the country during Good Friday. This tradition is said to originate from the Roman Catholic Churches; however, this was later adapted by some Protestant Churches. In South Africa, the dominant church among all Christian churches are the Protestant churches. Some of these churches organize the Stations of the Cross for the Christian followers. Stations of the Cross are a series of fourteen images or carvings showing the events of Christ’s last hours on Earth as a man. These images are arranged chronologically beginning with Christ’s condemnation until his crucifixion and burial. On Good Friday, the Stations of the Cross are placed either on the insides of the church itself, or outside, just on the church grounds. On this day, worshippers may come in through a procession and proceed to move from one image/picture to another. The people usually stop one station at a time to offer some prayers.

Attending Church Services

For the South Africans, Good Friday is marked by various church services held throughout the nation. It has always been a part of the South African’s traditions to attend special church services on this day. These special masses are typically done around 12:00pm to 3:00pm. During this holiday, churches are expected to get a bit crowded since many people observe the day by attending these special masses.

Good Friday is a day intended to mourn for Christ’s sufferings and death. With this, South African Christian churches, with the help of some local communities, usually organize an event to make a re-enactment of Christ’s final hours before he died. The event would show the tortore, beatings, the crucifixion, and all sufferings Christ’s had gone through prior to his death. The South Africans celebrate this day religiously and many would partake on the events organized by the churches. The holiday is meant to commemorate Christ’s death; thus, people are typically seen praying, meditating, and others even go on fasting. The celebration of Good Friday gives one an opportunity to think about his/her faith towards God and how to make amends for the sins committed.

Popular Foods Prepared on Good Friday

In terms of food, South Africans traditionally have a fill on hot cross buns on this day, just like other Christian countries (e.g. UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc.). ‘Hot cross buns’ are spiced sweet buns typically made with fruit. Each bun is marked with a cross at the top since this cross is believed to represent the one which Christ has died on. Other South Africans (especially those living in Cape Town, one of the capital cities in the country) also serve pickled fish during Good Friday. ‘Pickled fish’ is a dish of fish prepared with onions in a vinegar sauce and is flavoured with curry powder, turmeric, and other spices. The said seafood dish has become quite a favourite food for the South Africans to prepare on this day since it could last from Good Friday till the end of the Easter weekend.

Non-religious celebration

Lastly, for other Christians in South Africa who aren’t particularly religious, or those who follow a different religion (e.g. Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and other traditional African religions), they tend to spend Good Friday in a non-religious way instead. Some of them would have plans to go on getaway trips to enjoy the holidays considering the long weekend brought by the Easter season. They take advantage of the non-working days to relax and have a vacation. Others also spend the day together with their families and friends. It could either be at home or outdoors.