Easter Sunday is the most significant and joyful holiday in Christianity. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament, marking the culmination of Holy Week and the 40-day season of Lent.

Table of Contents

1. When is Easter Sunday?
2. The History of Easter Sunday?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Differences between Orthodox and Western Easter?

When is Easter Sunday?

Easter Sunday is a movable feast, meaning its date changes each year. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (March 21). This formula means that Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25.

The following is the list of Easter Sunday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Easter Sunday

The History of Easter Sunday is deeply rooted in early Christian traditions, Jewish customs, and centuries of evolving cultural practices.

The resurrection of Jesus is said to have occurred three days after his crucifixion, during the time of Passover, a Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples, was likely a Passover meal.

Early Christians connected Jesus's death and resurrection with the themes of deliverance and redemption found in Passover. Over time, Easter became distinct from Passover but retained its springtime association.

The earliest Christians celebrated Jesus's resurrection as the cornerstone of their faith. This celebration began informally, often occurring on Sundays, which early Christians referred to as the Lord's Day. By the 2nd century, the resurrection was formally celebrated during Pascha (Easter), a term derived from the Hebrew word Pesach (Passover).

Early Christians debated whether to celebrate Easter on the 14th day of Nisan (the Jewish Passover date) or on the Sunday following Passover. The Council of Nicaea in 325 CE resolved this by standardizing Easter as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, separating it from the Jewish calendar.

By the 4th century, Easter had become the climax of the Christian liturgical year. It was preceded by Holy Week, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The Easter Vigil became an essential part of the celebration, symbolizing the transition from death to life and darkness to light.

During the medieval period, Easter became a time for grand religious observances, including elaborate church services, passion plays, and processions.

In the Western Christian tradition, Easter Sunday is a day of joyous celebration, often featuring church services, festive meals, and family gatherings. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Easter remains the most significant holiday, often celebrated with midnight vigils and feasting.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Easter Sunday, celebrated as the most joyful and significant day in the Christian calendar, people engage in a mix of religious, family, and cultural traditions.

Many Christians attend special Easter Sunday services. Outdoor gatherings at dawn commemorate the empty tomb and the discovery of the resurrection early in the morning. Many churches offer the Holy Communion to mark Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.

Families dye and decorate eggs, a symbol of new life and resurrection. Children search for hidden Easter eggs, sometimes filled with candies, coins, or small toys. Community egg hunts and other family-friendly activities are common.

Many towns and cities host Easter parades featuring music, colorful floats, and participants in festive attire. A beloved tradition in many cultures, the Easter Bunny delivers eggs and treats to children. This playful custom adds a magical element to Easter morning.

Differences between Orthodox and Western Easter?

The primary differences between Orthodox Easter and Western Easter lie in how the dates are calculated, the liturgical practices, and cultural traditions. These differences stem from variations in calendars, theological interpretations, and regional customs.

Western Easter uses the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (March 21), and it does not strictly tie Easter to the timing of Jewish Passover. Orthodox Easter uses the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, and it uses the same formula as Western Easter but ensures that Easter occurs after Passover, in keeping with early Christian tradition.

Western Easter Holy Week includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (Last Supper), Good Friday (Crucifixion), and Holy Saturday, and the services often culminate in an Easter Vigil on Saturday evening or a sunrise service on Sunday morning. Orthodox Easter Holy Week has a similar structure to Western Holy Week but includes unique traditions such as the Bridegroom Services and a midnight Paschal Vigil on Holy Saturday.

Decorated eggs and the Easter Bunny are popular symbols, especially for children. Egg hunts and baskets of candy are common in Western Easter, while eggs are dyed red, symbolizing Christ's blood and resurrection in Orthodox Easter.

The following is the difference summary: