Good Friday 2021: Date, history, significance and traditions

Good Friday 2021 Date: Good Friday is commemorated every year on a Friday that falls before Easter. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which is calculated mathematically according to the Church’s Lunar calendar. This year, Good Friday falls on April 2, 2021. This day is observed right after Maundy Thursday, which marks the end of the Lenten season. It is observed by Christians all over the world.

Good Friday is observed to remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Accounts in the Gospels talk about how royal soldiers, under the leadership of Christ’s disciple Judas Iscariot, arrested him in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is believed to have carried his cross to the site of execution called the “place of skull” or Golgotha.

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This day is considered holy and it is believed that on this day, out of his love for people, Jesus suffered for the sins of the whole world and that as a result of his sacrificial death, humanity was purged of their sin and their sinful nature. Historically, it is said that Jesus’ crucifixion took place around AD 30 or AD 33, and he was put to death by the Romans on the Hill of Calvary.

Traditionally, on this day, believers gather together to attend Church services. The timing of the service on this day varies slightly, and services are held from around noontime and continue till 3 pm. This is done because it is believed that it was during these hours that Jesus suffered on the cross. Many Christians around the world practice fasting on this day. In some places around the world, like the Philippines, Italy and Spain, processions are carried out, commemorating the death of Jesus.

Some people believe that Good Friday stems from the words “God’s Friday”. Others interpret “good” as “holy”. This day is also known as Black Friday or Sorrowful Friday.

However, this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, safety precautions need to be followed, which might hinder some people from attending Church large gatherings.