When Is Easter? Everything You Need to Know About the Date and Its Meaning

When Is Easter? Everything You Need to Know About the Date and Its Meaning

Easter is one of the most celebrated Christian holidays in the world. It’s a time for renewal, reflection, and joy. Unlike Christmas, which has a fixed date, Easter varies each year. So when is Easter celebrated, and why does the date change? Let’s look at when it occurs, the reason for the change, and how the date is determined.

Easter: A Movable Feast

Easter is a movable feast because its date changes annually. Unlike holidays set on a specific date, Easter depends on the cycles of the moon. This makes it one of the few Christian holidays influenced by both the solar and lunar calendars.

The basic rule is that Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon that follows the Spring Equinox, which is around March 21. This rule makes sure that Easter is always celebrated in spring, a season representing rebirth and renewal, which matches the spiritual meaning of the holiday.

How the Date of Easter Is Calculated

To understand when Easter happens, it helps to break down the rule:

1. The Spring Equinox marks when day and night are almost equal, symbolizing balance and new beginnings.

2. The first full moon following this equinox is known as the Paschal Full Moon.

3. Easter Sunday then occurs on the next Sunday.

For example, if the full moon occurs on a Friday, Easter Sunday would be two days later. If it falls on a Sunday, Easter is celebrated the following Sunday.

Because of this method, Easter can occur anywhere between March 22 and April 25 each year.

Easter Dates for the Next Few Years

Knowing when Easter is can help you plan for holidays, family gatherings, or church services. Here are the upcoming Easter dates:

- Easter 2025: Sunday, April 20

- Easter 2026: Sunday, April 5

- Easter 2027: Sunday, March 28

- Easter 2028: Sunday, April 16

Since the date changes each year, many schools and workplaces adjust their schedules for the Easter break.

The Religious Significance of Easter

Easter is the most significant event in the Christian calendar. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after His crucifixion. This event symbolizes victory over death and the promise of eternal life. The changing date of Easter connects it closely to the ancient Jewish tradition of Passover, which also follows a lunar calendar.

Many Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Anglican churches, follow this Western calculation, while Eastern Orthodox churches use a slightly different method based on the Julian calendar. That’s why Orthodox Easter often falls on a different date.

The Cultural Side of Easter

Beyond its religious meaning, Easter is a widely celebrated cultural holiday. In the UK and many parts of the world, Easter traditions include:

- Easter egg hunts, symbolizing new life and joy.

- Hot cross buns, representing the cross and spices used in Jesus’ burial.

- Easter Sunday feasts, bringing families and friends together in celebration.

- Chocolate eggs and bunnies, popular symbols of fertility and springtime renewal.

These customs blend faith, fun, and family time, making Easter a universal celebration of hope and renewal.

Why Easter Matters Today

Easter isn’t just a date—it’s a reminder of hope, transformation, and new beginnings. For many, it’s a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. The timing of Easter as flowers bloom and days grow longer reflects its deeper message of life triumphing over death and light overcoming darkness.

Whether you observe Easter in a religious, cultural, or personal way, the essence remains the same: it’s a season of renewal, joy, and gratitude.

Final Thoughts

So when is Easter? The straightforward answer is that it’s the first Sunday after the first full moon following March 21. This means it changes every year but always falls between March 22 and April 25.

Beyond the calendar, Easter’s message remains constant: it’s a time of rebirth, reflection, and rejoicing. Whether you celebrate it through worship, family gatherings, or chocolate eggs, Easter brings light, love, and hope to millions around the world each spring.