Easter is a “movable feast,” that is to say it doesn’t happen on the same date from year to year. It always occurs on the first Sunday following the full Moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. The date of Easter is based on the lunar cycles of the Jewish calendar.
The Easter bunny and Easter eggs have nothing to do with the Christian celebration. They originated as pagan symbols of spring and rebirth. Over the centuries, these ancient symbols became associated with the Christian holiday of Easter such that the two traditions, one religious, one secular exist simultaneously.
Western churches, Catholics of the Latin Church and most Protestants as well as most Eastern Catholic churches, follow the Gregorian calendar to determine the date of Easter. The Eastern Orthodox churches along with some Eastern Catholic churches use the older or revised Julian calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, Easter is always observed on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. However, in the Eastern Orthodox Church using the Julien calendar, Easter can be observed between April 4 and May 8. This year both calendars align for a worldwide Easter Sunday celebration on April 20th.
Easter or Resurrection Sunday is a Christian celebration commemorating the resurrection of the Jewish preacher and religious leader, Jesus from the dead. Pontius Pilot, the Roman Prefect of Jerusalem presided over the trial of Jesus, King of the Jews and sentenced him to crucifixion. This resurrection is a foundational belief in Christianity, asserting that God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. This event is documented in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The resurrection is seen as a confirmation of Jesus’ divine nature and his role as the Savior of humanity, providing hope for eternal life to believers. It is celebrated by Christians worldwide, especially during Easter, symbolizing victory over sin and death.
The uniting of the Western and Eastern churches on Sunday April 20th will make this Easter Sunday particularly special.