What Day Is Easter? A Guide to the Date and Its Significance

Easter is one of the most important religious holidays in the world, celebrated by Christians to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But when exactly is Easter? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

Easter's date is based on the lunar calendar. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. This means it can vary from year to year, usually between March 22nd and April 25th.

In the early days of Christianity, there was a disagreement over when Easter should be celebrated. Some churches preferred to follow the Jewish Passover, which occurs on a fixed date. Others argued that it should be linked to the resurrection of Christ, which happened on a Sunday.

In 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea reached a compromise. They decided that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon after the spring equinox. This formula is still used today.

In 2023, Easter falls on April 9th. This means that the full moon occurs on March 21st, and the spring equinox was on March 20th.

For me, Easter is a time to reflect on the hope and renewal that comes with Jesus' resurrection. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found.

Different cultures around the world have their own unique Easter traditions.

• In the United States, it's common to decorate eggs, attend church services, and exchange baskets of candy.
• In France, people eat a traditional meal called "gigot d'agneau" (lamb leg).
• In Russia, Easter is celebrated with colorful painted eggs and a special Easter bread called "kulich."

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Easter is a time to come together with loved ones and remember the significance of Jesus' resurrection.