
Easter Monday
April 21
Easter Monday is the day immediately following Easter Sunday, observed in many Christian traditions as part of the Easter celebrations. It holds religious, cultural, and national significance depending on the region. Although Easter Monday is not universally celebrated as a major religious holiday, it is recognized as a public holiday in many countries.
Table of Contents
- When is Easter Monday?
- The History of Easter Monday?
- What Do People Do on This Day?
- Easter Monday and Orthodox Easter Monday
When is Easter Monday?
Easter Monday is always the day immediately following Easter Sunday, and its date varies each year because Easter is a movable feast determined by the lunar calendar.
The following is the list of Easter Monday from 2020 to 2049.
Holiday | Date | Weekday |
---|---|---|
Easter Monday | April 13, 2020 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 05, 2021 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 18, 2022 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 10, 2023 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 01, 2024 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 21, 2025 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 06, 2026 | Monday |
Easter Monday | March 29, 2027 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 17, 2028 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 02, 2029 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 22, 2030 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 14, 2031 | Monday |
Easter Monday | March 29, 2032 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 18, 2033 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 10, 2034 | Monday |
Easter Monday | March 26, 2035 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 14, 2036 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 06, 2037 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 26, 2038 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 11, 2039 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 02, 2040 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 22, 2041 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 07, 2042 | Monday |
Easter Monday | March 30, 2043 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 18, 2044 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 10, 2045 | Monday |
Easter Monday | March 26, 2046 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 15, 2047 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 06, 2048 | Monday |
Easter Monday | April 19, 2049 | Monday |
The History of Easter Monday?
Easter Monday has a rich history tied to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the celebrations of Eastertide. While not as central to the Christian liturgical calendar as Easter Sunday, Easter Monday has been observed for centuries as a continuation of the joy and spiritual renewal of the resurrection.
In the early Church, Easter celebrations extended for a week or more, reflecting the profound significance of Christ's resurrection. Easter Monday became a day for continued feasting, prayer, and communal gatherings. The Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church included Easter Monday in the liturgical calendar as a day for special prayers and masses. The day often involved processions or reenactments of biblical events.
During the Middle Ages, Easter Monday was a day for communal feasting, games, and celebrations following the solemnity of Holy Week and the intensity of Easter Sunday worship. It was also a time for charity and almsgiving, reflecting the joy of the resurrection by helping those in need.
The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century influenced the observance of Easter Monday, with some Protestant communities de-emphasizing its religious significance while retaining cultural traditions. In predominantly Catholic and Orthodox countries, Easter Monday remained an important religious and cultural holiday.
Over time, Easter Monday became a public holiday in many countries, recognized as a day of rest and celebration. Many people spend the day with family, enjoying picnics, meals, or community events.
What Do People Do on This Day?
On Easter Monday, people around the world engage in a variety of religious, cultural, and family activities to continue the celebration of Easter Sunday.
Many Christians attend special masses or prayer services on Easter Monday, particularly in Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions. These services often include hymns, readings, and reflections on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter egg hunts are popular, particularly for children. Eggs, often dyed or decorated, are hidden for children to find, symbolizing the new life of resurrection. In Europe, egg rolling games are enjoyed in many countries.
Families and friends often take advantage of the spring weather for hikes or outdoor gatherings, making Easter Monday a day for relaxation and enjoyment, and it is a day to strengthen bonds with family, friends, and community members.
In the spirit of Easter, people may use Easter Monday to engage in charitable acts, such as helping the less fortunate, or participating in community service events.
Easter Monday and Orthodox Easter Monday
Easter Monday and Orthodox Easter Monday both occur the day after their respective Easter Sundays, but they differ in terms of date, religious traditions, and cultural significance due to variations between Eastern Orthodox and Western Christianity (Roman Catholic and Protestant) practices.
Date: Easter Monday follows Western Easter Sunday, calculated using the Gregorian calendar. Orthodox Easter Monday follows Orthodox Easter Sunday, calculated using the Julian calendar and often occurs later than Western Easter.
Liturgical Calendar: Easter Monday marks the second day of the Easter Octave, an eight-day celebration in the Western Church. Orthodox Easter Monday is part of Bright Week, a week of unbroken joy and celebration in the Orthodox Church.
Religious Observances: Easter Monday focuses on renewal and reflection on the joy of Easter, often a public holiday for rest and relaxation. Orthodox Easter Monday focuses on renewal, resurrection, and the victory over death, continuing Paschal celebrations.
Themes: Easter Monday marks the second day of the Easter Octave, an eight-day celebration in the Western Church. Orthodox Easter Monday is part of Bright Week, a week of unbroken joy and celebration in the Orthodox Church.
Family and Community: Easter Monday is a day for family outings, picnics, and Easter egg hunts. There are community fairs and sports events in some countries. Orthodox Easter Monday is a day for community meals, feasting, family gatherings. People also visit cemetery to honor the departed.