We’re Looking At Some Astonishing And Surprising Ideas About Good Friday

Historically, Good Friday has been a time for Christians to reflect on the death of Jesus Christ. Here are some facts about Good Friday that you may not have known.   Today on the Top 5 at 7:45, I'll highlight some facts that we may not have known about the Friday before Easter. If you're off work today, enjoy and see if you knew these things already.

1. A Holiday for Cuba - Since around 2012, Good Friday has become a national holiday in Cuba. In March of 2012, Pope Benedict requested that April 6 be a national holiday for the country, and President Raul Castro permitted it.
2. Reenacting the Crucifixion - There are some congregations in the Philippines, who are predominately Catholic, who will actually crucify a man to a cross on that day.
3. Other Names - In some other countries, Good Friday is known by another name. For example, it's been said that the name actually originated in Germany called "Gottes Freitag" or God's Friday. Other names include Holy Friday and Great Friday.
4. The Exact Day? - Some researchers, in 1985, nailed a specific date based on astronomical studies. They say that all four gospels agree that it took place during the Jewish Holiday, Passover. And the original date took place on April 3, 33 AD.
5. Wrists, Not Hands - According to many theologians, the Lord was nailed to the cross by His wrists and not through His hands. French physician Pierre Barbet stated that he could have sustained his weight if the nails were driven through the wrist. If the nails were driven through the hands, Barbet suspects he would have fallen.

The Top 5 at 7:45 airs weekdays with me, Gary Freeman and sponsored by First Education Federal Credit Union.