Easter

Easter is a significant Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. It is considered the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.​

When Is Easter Celebrated?

Easter is a movable feast, meaning its date changes each year. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after 21 March, which approximates the March equinox. This calculation was established by the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.

As a result, Easter can fall between 22 March and 25 April in the Gregorian calendar.​

Origins of the Name “Easter”

The English term “Easter” is believed to derive from Ēostre or Ēastre, a pre-Christian goddess associated with spring and fertility, as noted by the Venerable Bede in the 8th century. In contrast, many other languages refer to the holiday using terms derived from “Pascha”, the Greek and Latin word for Passover, reflecting the holiday’s roots in the Jewish festival.​

Traditions and Symbols of Easter

• Easter Eggs
  Symbolizing new life and rebirth, the tradition of decorating eggs dates back centuries. In early Christianity, red-dyed eggs represented the blood of Christ. By the Middle Ages, the practice became widespread, and by the 19th century, egg dyeing had become a popular family activity.
• Easter Bunny
  The rabbit, known for its prolific breeding, became a symbol of fertility. The concept of the Easter Bunny delivering eggs originated with German immigrants in the 1700s, who introduced the tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase.” ​
• Easter Egg Hunts
  This activity, where children search for hidden eggs, is a popular Easter tradition in many countries.​
• Easter Foods
  Traditional foods vary by culture but often include lamb, symbolizing Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” and sweet breads or cakes.​

Global Celebrations

Easter is celebrated worldwide with diverse customs:​

• Italy
  Features elaborate processions and traditional foods like Colomba di Pasqua, a dove-shaped cake. ​
• United States
  Known for the White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition dating back to the 1870s.
• Australia
  Some regions promote the Easter Bilby instead of the bunny, to raise awareness about the endangered native marsupial.​

Easter Dates Table