Easter’s date changes annually, making it a “movable feast.” In 2025, Easter Sunday is on April 20th for both Western and Eastern Christian churches. This date is determined by the lunar calendar and always falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, the first full moon after the spring equinox.
| Easter Dates | Year | Easter Sunday (Gregorian calendar) | Eastern Orthodox Church (Julian calendar date converted to Gregorian) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 20 | April 20 | |
| 2026 | April 5 | April 12 | |
| 2027 | March 28 | May 2 | |
| 2028 | April 16 | April 16 |
In the Western Church, Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th. While April 20th isn’t the most common Easter date (March 31st and April 16th are over a 500-year period), it’s not the rarest (March 22nd).
The date of Easter is linked to the Jewish holiday of Passover, as the Last Supper was a Passover Seder. This connection to the lunar calendar explains Easter’s fluctuating date. The Christian church uses a fixed equinox date of March 21st for calculation purposes, even though the actual astronomical equinox may vary slightly.
Fluffy yellow chicks representing Easter celebrations
The Paschal Full Moon, crucial for determining Easter’s date, isn’t always the astronomical full moon closest to the spring equinox. It’s defined as the 14th day of a lunar month that falls on or after March 21st according to fixed ecclesiastical rules. This sometimes creates discrepancies between the astronomical and ecclesiastical full moon.
A historical method for calculating Easter uses the Golden Number, representing a year within the 19-year Metonic cycle of the moon’s phases. To find the Golden Number for a given year, add 1 to the year, divide by 19, and the remainder is the Golden Number. For 2025, the Golden Number is 12.
Easter, also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Christian faith. It marks the end of Lent and Holy Week, signifying the triumph of good over evil and death. The word “Easter” has debated origins, potentially linked to the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre or derived from terms for “dawn” or “east.”
Easter celebrations often involve traditional foods symbolizing spring and renewal, like lamb, eggs, and hot cross buns. The holiday is rich in symbolism and meaning, representing hope and new life.
Regardless of its etymological roots, Easter is a time for Christians to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus. It’s a celebration of hope and new beginnings.