One of the most significant holidays observed by the Christian community is Easter. This national holiday is observed to remember the death and resurrection of our Savior. According to the Holy Bible, Christ’s rebirth occurred on the third day after his burial, which followed the Romans’ crucifixion of him at Calvary.
Easter occurs on Sunday, April 9 this year. But, did you know that despite only falling on Sundays, the date of the Christian holiday changes every year? This is all the information you need.
How is the Easter date chosen?
The Older Farmer’s Almanac states that Easter always falls at a certain timeframe, even if the exact day varies every year. The event takes place between March 22 and April 25 in the Gregorian calendar. Easter, however, falls between April 8 and May 8 according to the Julian calendar.
The Paschal Full Moon’s occurrence determines the date. Significantly, it follows the vernal equinox, which in the northern hemisphere also ushers in the start of spring.
Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon. This year’s vernal equinox took place on March 20, and the first full moon fell on April 6 as a result. Easter 2023 will thus be observed on April 9.
The significance of Holy Week and Ash Wednesday
While Easter is the biggest holiday, there are a number of significant events that take place before the feast. The first major event is Ash Wednesday, which falls around six and a half weeks before Easter. On February 22, churchgoers observed Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent’s 40 days.
Also, pastors apply ashes on people’s foreheads as part of a long-standing rite. Many opt to give up something during Lent, whether it is non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or any other habit, in order to face their sins, seek forgiveness, and show appreciation to God as they pursue redemption.
Next comes Holy Week, which starts on April 2 with Palm Sunday to remember Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. Then, on April 5, is Holy Wednesday, which represents Judas’ treachery. Next comes Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper, and Good Friday, which marks Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
To commemorate Jesus’ ascension from the grave and the conclusion of Lent, Easter is observed on Sunday.
