How the world marks Good Friday

In India, some Christians reenact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in full costume. According to the Christian faith, Jesus was brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilatus on Good Friday, sentenced to death and nailed to the cross on the hill of Golgotha.

The Procession of Souls (Procissao das Almas) in Goias, Brazil, is an impressive, mystical ritual that often takes place on the night of Good Friday in certain rural regions. Participants carry candles or lanterns and walk through the streets in complete silence. The event is about remembering the deceased, but also about penance, redemption and one's own conscience.

Good Friday rituals in the Philippines are among the most intense and controversial Christian practices in the world. Men, often barefoot and masked with hoods, beat their backs bloody with whips or bamboo sticks attached to ropes. The pain is the point — the ritual is considered as a part of spiritual purification.

In the Philippine village of Kapitangan, some people actually allow themselves to be nailed to the cross. Most of the participants perform this sacrifice year after year. The church officially distances itself from this practice, but usually turns a blind eye as it is deeply rooted in the culture.

Processions in Seville, Spain, are particularly mystical. Various brotherhoods — religious lay communities, often with centuries of history — wear pointed headdresses known as "capirotes" that date back to medieval penitential rituals. Those who wanted to do penance were supposed to do so anonymously, with their face covered. The practice is designed to symbolize man striving toward God.

Some may find this hood a little scary. This is mainly due to the fact that similar head garments have been adopted and corrupted by racist groups throughout history, like the Ku Klux Klan in the United States. But there is absolutely no connection. The Spanish capirotes are much older — they've been documented since the 16th century — and part of a deeply religious, often moving, tradition.

In cities like Sydney, Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox communities take part in church services, silent devotions and Stations of the Cross processions. Here, the crucifixion of Jesus is depicted in a somewhat less bloody fashion. As in many other countries, many Australian Christians eat no meat on Good Friday. The meal of choice is often eat fish and chips, even in non-religious households.

Throughout Germany, Good Friday is seen as a day of rest that is considered worthy of protection. Dancing and entertainment events are restricted or prohibited and the Passion of Jesus is read out in churches, usually without festive decorations or music. In the past, eggs — like meat — were not eaten during this time, but were colored instead. They are seen as a symbol of resurrection.