Easter Sunday falls on various dates every year, usually between March and April. This date is determined by the lunar calendar, which follows the moon’s phases. Easter Sunday is the most important Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is preceded by Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. The date of Easter changes each year because it is linked to the full moon. Early Christians did not celebrate Easter as a holiday, but rather as a weekly remembrance of the resurrection. Easter Sunday marks the end of the 40-day period of Lent, which includes fasting, prayer, and repentance. The Council of Nicaea, in 325 AD, established the formula for calculating the date of Easter. According to this formula, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox. The vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring, falls on March 20th or 21st every year. This means that Easter Sunday can fall anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th. In Western Christianity, Easter Sunday can occur between March 22nd and April 25th, while in Eastern Christianity, it can fall between April 4th and May 8th. The early church used the Julian calendar to determine the date of Easter. However, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582, which changed the date of the vernal equinox. This change also affected the date of Easter, which is why different Christian denominations celebrate Easter on different dates. The Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which is why their celebration of Easter often falls a few weeks after the Western celebration. Many countries have their own unique traditions surrounding Easter Sunday. In the United States, Easter is celebrated with egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings. In Greece, it is a time for feasting, and people often roast lamb and prepare traditional Easter breads and desserts. In Germany, it is common to decorate trees with eggs, and for children to go on egg hunts. In Poland, it is a tradition to have a large Easter basket filled with colored eggs, bread, and other traditional foods. No matter how it is celebrated, Easter Sunday holds great importance for Christians around the world. It is a time to rejoice and give thanks for the resurrection of Jesus, and to gather with loved ones. Easter Sunday is a reminder of the hope and renewal that comes with the spring season. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by Jesus and to remember the true meaning of Easter. As the date of Easter changes each year, it adds to the anticipation and excitement of this holy holiday. 
Easter Sunday – A Date That Varies Each Year
