Easter is celebrated in memory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every year, many of us wonder when Easter falls , because its date is not fixed and changes every year. Why is this so and what determines the date of this special holiday? In this article, we will present the origins of the movable date of Easter and explain how it is calculated.
The history of the date of Easter
Easter , the central point of the liturgical calendar, has always been a movable feast. This is due to its links with the Jewish holiday of Passover, which was also celebrated according to the lunar calendar. However, the Christian tradition established other rules that ultimately determined when Easter was celebrated.
During the Council of Nicaea in 325, it was decided that Easter would fall on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon. Its date therefore depends on astronomical phenomena: the spring equinox and the phases of the moon. Thanks to this, Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25.
How is the date of Easter calculated ?
Calculating the date of Easter seems complicated because it is based on astronomical and church principles:
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Spring equinox : The spring equinox is considered to fall on March 21, although in reality it sometimes varies by a day.
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First full moon after equinox: the next step is to determine the first full moon after March 21.
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First Sunday after a full moon: Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following that full moon. For example, if the first full moon after March 21 falls on a Wednesday, Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following that date.
Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Easter is preceded by Palm Sunday , which begins Holy Week . This is the last week of Lent, in which Christians prepare spiritually to experience the mystery of Christ's suffering, death and resurrection.
Palm Sunday, which symbolizes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, falls a week before Easter. Its date, like Easter, changes every year.
Why the term Is Easter important?
The moving date of Easter affects not only religious life, but also many aspects of everyday and social life:
1. Church holidays
The date of Easter determines the dates of other holidays, such as Ascension Day, Pentecost and Ash Wednesday.
Calendar of national holidays
In many countries, Easter is a day off from work, which influences the organization of free time and holiday planning.
Family traditions
Celebrating Easter involves many customs that require advance preparation, such as painting Easter eggs, making an Easter basket, or planning a celebratory breakfast.
Why is it important to know the date of Easter?
Knowing the date of Easter helps you better plan both your holiday time and your daily duties. This way, you can fully enjoy this special time, dedicated to both spiritual reflection and the joy of being together with your loved ones.
When is Easter in 2025 ?
Why is Easter movable? The reason lies in the principles of calculating its date, which combine astronomy and church tradition. Thanks to the Council of Nicaea, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon. This unique feature means that it is celebrated on a different date each year, always between March 22 and April 25. Understanding the principles behind choosing the date of Easter allows us to better appreciate its unique character and significance in Christian tradition. No matter when it falls, it is a time of joy, reflection, and spiritual rebirth that have their roots in the most important events of the Christian faith.
Check now when Easter falls this year and plan your holidays well in advance!