Easter Sunday, widely celebrated as the day marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, falls on April 20 in 2025. This date is significant not just for Christians but also ties into the seasonal rhythms of our world as dictated by the lunar and solar calendars. The uniqueness of Easter's date stems from its calculation method, which can be a bit perplexing.
Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox, which this year is April 20. The spring equinox, signaling the official start of spring, arrives on March 20. This interplay of dates not only makes Easter a movable feast but also ties it historically to the Jewish calendar.
The calculation is based on the lunar calendar used to determine the date of Passover, which greatly impacts when Easter can be celebrated. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, "Easter is a 'movable feast,' so it doesn’t happen on the same date from year to year." This fascinating fact highlights why Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25—a 34-day window that stems primarily from lunar cycles.
This year, with Easter landing on April 20, it also coincides with the last day of the eight-day Jewish holiday of Passover, which will begin the evening before on April 12. The connection between these two significant religious events underscores the interwoven nature of the Jewish and Christian faiths, as the Last Supper was, indeed, a Passover feast.
Over centuries, various iterations of the Easter celebration have taken root with varying traditions, while the fundamental significance remains the same: it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion—essentially the cornerstone of Christian faith. Christians believe that through Jesus’ death, sins are atoned, promising eternal life to believers.
This year, Good Friday, the day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus, falls on April 18. The period leading up to Easter, known as Lent, lasts for 40 days—starting on Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week, during which important events regarding the death and resurrection of Jesus are observed. In 2025, Lent kicks off on March 5 and concludes on April 17, right before Easter.
So why does Easter change every year? The brief answer lies in the lunar calendar, significantly different from the solar-based Gregorian calendar that predominantly governs the Western world. Easter's date hinges on the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon occurring on or after March 20 (the spring equinox), effectively illustrating its spiritual connection to the Passover festival, a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt.
The dates of both Easter and Passover may shift year by year, but they often overlap. The Old Farmer's Almanac explains this connection further, stating, "In the Christian religion, the Last Supper was a Passover feast." This profound relationship indicates the shared heritage and intertwined traditions that shape both celebrations.
Curiously enough, there's been a notable pattern regarding when Easter can occur. For example, the last time Easter fell on March 22 was in 1818 and the next occurrence will take place in 2285. Conversely, Easter last happened on April 25 in 1943, with the date rolling around again in 2038. Such variances illustrate this calendar's complexity, governed by celestial events rather than a static timeline.
This tension between the lunar and solar calendars prompts many questions. Why is there a need for a lunar measurement when much of the contemporary world adheres to a solar calendar? The answer remains firmly entrenched in the tradition, symbolism, and faith that these sacred dates represent to billions of Christians worldwide.
As of 2025, Christians can prepare for the joyful celebration on Sunday, April 20, while reflecting on the historical, cultural, and spiritual narratives shaped by the intertwining of Easter and Passover. This annual observance persists through the ages, bringing hope, reflection, and joy to those who partake in its festivities.
With Easter so late this year, many practitioners may be preparing to embrace not only the significance of the occasion but also the onset of a new spring season—an opportunity for renewal, reflection, and community coming together in shared traditions and beliefs.
