Are banks open on Good Friday?
GOOD Friday is an annual holiday that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
The holiday will land on Friday, April 14, taking place two days before Easter Sunday.
Are banks closed on Good Friday in the US?
Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the US, and banks in most states are open for business.
It is an optional holiday in Texas but is recognized as a federal holiday in Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Tennessee.
However, most banks, including Wells Fargo and Bank of America, don't recognize Good Friday as a holiday and will remain open.
In addition, the New York Stock Exchange and other stock markets will be closed on Good Friday.
What is Good Friday?
Good Friday is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ and is part of the Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday.
“Keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms of Christ crucified, let yourself be saved over and over again,” Pope Francis said in his message for Lent in 2020.
“And when you go to confess your sins, believe firmly in his mercy which frees you of your guilt.
"Contemplate his blood poured out with such great love, and let yourself be cleansed by it. In this way, you can be reborn ever anew.”
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Good Friday has been observed as a day of "sorrow, penance, and fasting" since the early days of Christianity, according to the .
According to Parade, "it is a day of solemn reflection for followers of many Christian denominations, including Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Methodists."
"Many Christians observe the day with prayer, and some with fasting," according to .
"In the Roman Catholic tradition, believers mark Good Friday by praying the Stations of the Cross and reciting other devotional prayers."
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, "the question of whether and when to observe Jesus’ death and Resurrection triggered a major controversy in early Christianity.
"Until the 4th century, Jesus’ Last Supper, his death, and his Resurrection were observed in one single commemoration on the evening before Easter.
"Since then, those three events have been observed separately - Easter, as the commemoration of Jesus’ Resurrection, being considered the pivotal event."
How is Good Friday celebrated?
Good Friday is observed every year on the Friday before Easter with Christians participating in fasting to become more like Jesus.
The Bible says Jesus expected his followers to fast, saying God rewards those who make the sacrifice.
Christians historically have attended Church on Good Friday while other traditions take place around the world.
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In some areas, the day is celebrated with performances, one of which is Germany, which holds a Passion Play dramatizing the last day of Jesus' life has been held every ten years since 1604.
Similar plays are held in the US annually, primarily taking place in Southington, Connecticut, San Antonio, Texas, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas.