Easter celebration is a prominent celebration among the Christian folk and is one of the most significant holidays in Christianity. This is because it commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
However, unlike many other Christian holidays such as Christmas, Easter does not have a fixed date. Its date varies annually and this has let to questions about its timing and significance.
In 2025, Easter Sunday fell on the 20th of April. This is later than years before as the Easter usually falls between March 22 and April 25. The timing of Easter is dependent on lunar and solar calendars. This is because Easter Sunday is usually celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal moon. This is the first moon on or after the vernal equinox. If the full moon falls on Sunday, Easter is celebrated the next Sunday. This method of picking Easter Sunday dates is known as Computus, and has been used since the first Council of Nicea in 325AD.
Is Easter a federal holiday?
In the United States, Easter is not a federal holiday. Federal holidays are designated by the Congress and typically apply to federal employees and institutions. Since Easter always falls on a Sunday, a day that most federal workers do not go to work, it is not recognized as a federal holiday.
Somes states and local governments, however, may uphold some Easter related observances. For example, the day after Easter known as Easter Monday, is an official holiday in places like Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and some others.
Discussions have gone round in the United States about making Easter Monday an federal holiday but as for now, it remains unofficial.
Why does Easter date change every year?
Easter’s fluctuating dates is due to its dependence on the lunar and solar calendar. Like I mentioned earlier, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal moon which follows the vernal equinox.
This method of celebration aligns Easter to the Jewish passover, as it is also based on the lunar cycle.
The use of the solar and lunar calendars means that Easter Sunday varies every year. For instance, in 2024, Easter was on March 31 but in 2025 it falls on April 20.
While Easter date changes ever year, it doesn’t reduce the essence and significance of the celebration.
