Approaching Easter: Is Good Friday Designated as a Bank Holiday?
As Easter draws near, with your pantry stocked with Easter Eggs and fresh linens adorning your bed for a leisurely morning, the anticipation builds for not just one or two but a total of four Bank Holidays spanning the next three months.
Two of these holidays are in honor of Easter, a festival originally named after the pagan goddess of spring but now a significant celebration in the Christian calendar, extending across multiple days.
Easter is surrounded by various traditional Christian observances, including Lent, Maundy Thursday, and more.
Among these, Good Friday stands out as one of the most recognized, despite its somewhat paradoxical nomenclature.
But the question lingers: is Good Friday indeed recognized as a bank holiday?
Let’s delve into the details.
Recognition of Good Friday as a Bank Holiday
Rejoice, for Good Friday not only holds the status of a bank holiday but is swiftly approaching.
This year, Good Friday falls on March 29.
Before you embark on any holiday plans, it’s advisable to confirm arrangements with your workplace, as employers are not obligated to grant paid leave on bank or public holidays.
Furthermore, be mindful that certain establishments may operate on adjusted schedules during bank holidays, particularly over the Easter period.
Unraveling the Enigma of ‘Good Friday’
The designation of ‘Good Friday’ for the day of Jesus’s crucifixion may seem enigmatic to some, especially after witnessing portrayals like ‘The Passion of the Christ.’
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term ‘good’ in this context signifies a day of holiness.
Alternatively, some Catholic scholars speculate that ‘Good Friday’ could be a linguistic evolution of ‘God’s Friday’ or a similar phonetic iteration.
The Ever-Shifting Date of Easter
In contrast to Christmas, which maintains a fixed date, Good Friday’s occurrence varies annually. While it consistently falls on a Friday, the specific date fluctuates.
This variability is due to Easter’s dependency on lunar cycles, aligning with the first Sunday following the initial full moon subsequent to the vernal equinox.
The rationale behind this timing dates back to early Christians’ desire for Easter to coincide with Passover, given the chronological proximity of Christ’s crucifixion to this Jewish festival. However, the link to Passover, intertwined with solar and lunar calendars, contributes to Easter’s shifting date.
Additionally, there exists a lesser-known observance called Good Wednesday or Holy Wednesday, commemorating Judas’s pivotal decision to betray Jesus. Regrettably, this day does not warrant a bank holiday.
Anticipating Future Bank Holidays
For those fortunate enough to enjoy time off during bank holidays, the upcoming Easter Monday presents another opportunity for respite, culminating in a potential four-day weekend for many.
Stay informed about the following bank holidays in 2024:
- March 29 – Friday – Good Monday
- April 1 – Monday – Easter Monday
- May 6 – Monday – Early May bank holiday
- May 27 – Monday – Spring Bank holiday
- August 26 – Monday – Summer Bank holiday
- December 25 – Wednesday – Christmas Day
- December 26 – Thursday – Boxing Day
Origins of Bank Holidays
The establishment of bank holidays owes gratitude to the banking sector, as exemplified by Sir John Lubbock, a banker and the first Baron of Avebury, who introduced the Bank Holiday Act in 1871. This legislation designated various days, including Easter Monday and New Year’s Day, as public holidays for financial institutions.
While Good Friday initially did not fall under this act for individuals in England, Wales, and Ireland due to its widespread recognition as a day of rest, societal norms gradually integrated it into the holiday roster.
Over time, businesses, schools, shops, and governmental bodies adopted bank holidays, aligning with the populace’s appreciation for extended weekends.
The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 standardized bank holidays across the UK, with subsequent additions like New Year’s Day and May Day applying nationwide.
Occasionally, the royal family may introduce additional bank holidays. Despite these inclusions, some advocate for more holidays, noting the UK’s comparatively fewer holidays compared to certain European counterparts.
Proposals for new holidays, such as St. George’s Day and a ‘UK Day,’ have surfaced, reflecting ongoing discussions about expanding the holiday calendar to enhance work-life balance and cultural observances.