In 2025, Western Christians (Catholic and Protestant) celebrate Easter on April 20. Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate on April 20.

In 2026, Western Christians (Catholic and Protestant) celebrate Easter on April 5. Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate on April 12.

In 2027, Western Christians (Catholic and Protestant) celebrate Easter on March 28. Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate on May 2.

What is the significance of Easter in Christianity?

Easter is significant in Christianity as it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is a cornerstone of Christian faith. It symbolizes victory over sin and death, offering believers the hope of eternal life.

Why is Easter considered the most important Christian holiday?

Easter is considered the most important Christian holiday because it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian theology. This event affirms Jesus as the Son of God and the savior of humanity, providing the foundation for Christian beliefs about salvation and eternal life.

What events in Jesus' life are commemorated during Easter?

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which occurred three days after his crucifixion. This event is seen as the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah and is celebrated as a triumph over sin and death.

Why does the date of Easter vary each year?

The date of Easter varies each year because it is determined by the lunar calendar. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.

How is Easter determined in the Christian calendar?

Easter is determined in the Christian calendar as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This method was established at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD to standardize the celebration across the Christian world.

What is the difference between Easter and Passover?

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, while Passover is a Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. Although they often occur around the same time, they are distinct in their religious significance and rituals.

Why do Eastern Orthodox and Western Christians celebrate Easter on different dates?

Eastern Orthodox and Western Christians celebrate Easter on different dates due to differences in their calendars. Western Christians use the Gregorian calendar, while Eastern Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, leading to variations in the calculation of Easter.

How did early Christians celebrate Easter?

Early Christians celebrated Easter with a focus on the resurrection of Jesus, often involving a vigil and baptismal ceremonies. The celebration was marked by joy and community gatherings, reflecting the triumph of life over death.

What are traditional church services like on Easter Sunday?

Traditional church services on Easter Sunday are often marked by joyful hymns, the reading of resurrection scriptures, and the celebration of the Eucharist. These services focus on the themes of resurrection and new life, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' victory over death.

How is Lent connected to Easter?

Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance leading up to Easter. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and prepares Christians spiritually for the celebration of his resurrection.

What are common Easter traditions in different countries?

Common Easter traditions vary widely but often include church services, the decoration of eggs, and festive meals. In many countries, the Easter Bunny and egg hunts are popular, symbolizing new life and renewal.

What is the Easter Vigil and what does it signify?

The Easter Vigil is a service held on the night before Easter Sunday, marking the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter celebration. It signifies the transition from darkness to light, symbolizing Jesus' resurrection and the promise of new life.

Why is Easter Sunday always after the first full moon of spring?

Easter Sunday is always after the first full moon of spring to maintain its connection with the Jewish Passover and the lunar calendar. This timing reflects the early Christian desire to align the celebration with the resurrection's historical context.

What are the key differences in Easter celebrations between denominations?

Key differences in Easter celebrations between denominations include variations in liturgical practices, the date of celebration, and specific traditions. For example, Eastern Orthodox Christians often have a longer and more elaborate liturgy, while Western Christians may focus more on Easter Sunday services and community events.

Easter

Holidays & seasons · Updated March 31, 2026

Overview

Easter is the Christian feast of the resurrection -- the annual commemoration of the belief that Jesus of Nazareth, crucified by Rome on a Friday, rose from the dead on the Sunday that followed. It is the oldest feast in the Christian calendar, predating Christmas by centuries, and the most theologically central: the resurrection is the event on which Christian teaching claims everything else depends.

Easter is inseparable from [Passover](/bible-study/holidays/passover). Passover is the Jewish feast marking God's liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt -- the night described in Exodus when God struck down the firstborn of Egypt but passed over Israelite homes whose doorposts were marked with the blood of a sacrificed lamb. Jesus was crucified during Passover week; the Last Supper was a Passover meal. The early church drew the parallel explicitly: Paul writes that "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." The lamb whose blood protected Israel from death became the lens through which Christians understood the crucifixion -- one death substituted for another, liberation on the other side.

The date was contested from the earliest centuries. Christians in Asia Minor kept Easter on the 14th of Nisan -- the Passover date -- regardless of the day of the week. Roman Christians insisted on Sunday, the day of the Resurrection. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD settled it: Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following March 21st. Eastern Orthodox churches apply the same formula to the Julian calendar, which is why Orthodox Easter often falls weeks after Western Easter.

Easter is the Christian feast of the resurrection -- the oldest and most theologically central feast in the Christian calendar, rooted directly in the Jewish Passover.

Why Fighting Over Easter Was a Big Deal

Controversy over when to celebrate Easter was not just about marking the resurrection of Jesus but intertwined with issues of authority and identity within the early Christian church. Different Christian communities sought to assert their influence over determining the correct date for Easter, which was symbolic of broader control over Christian doctrine and unity. This debate was not merely a calendrical disagreement; it was a struggle for power and legitimacy. Determining who had the right to set religious practices was central to this conflict, as local traditions clashed with the desire for a unified Christian identity.

The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD marked a significant moment in this dispute. On one side, the Roman Church, led by Pope Victor I, argued for Easter to be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. Leaders aimed to standardize Christian practices and assert the Roman Church's primacy. On the other side, the Quartodecimans, represented by Polycrates of Ephesus, insisted on celebrating Easter on the 14th of Nisan, aligning it with Jewish Passover. They aimed to preserve the tradition they believed was handed down from the Apostles, emphasizing their connection to Jewish roots. The council, guided by Emperor Constantine and bishops from across the Christian world, sided with the Roman Church's viewpoint. This decision aimed to unify Christian practice, but it also meant sidelining the Quartodeciman tradition.

Despite the Council of Nicaea's decree, the conflict over Easter was never entirely resolved. Regional traditions persisted, reflecting the deep-rooted diversity within Christianity. The underlying issue of ecclesiastical authority continued to provoke disputes, as various factions within the church maintained their distinct practices and interpretations. This ongoing tension highlighted the challenges of achieving unity in a rapidly expanding and increasingly diverse religious landscape. Even today, the date of Easter varies between Western and Eastern Christian traditions, illustrating the enduring complexity of this ancient debate.

Continue reading with a Scholar plan

Upgrade to Scholar

Common questions

When is Easter 2025?: In 2025, Western Christians (Catholic and Protestant) celebrate Easter on April 20. Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate on April 20.
When is Easter 2026?: In 2026, Western Christians (Catholic and Protestant) celebrate Easter on April 5. Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate on April 12.
When is Easter 2027?: In 2027, Western Christians (Catholic and Protestant) celebrate Easter on March 28. Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate on May 2.
What is the significance of Easter in Christianity?: Easter is significant in Christianity as it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is a cornerstone of Christian faith. It symbolizes victory over sin and death, offering believers the hope of eternal life.
Why is Easter considered the most important Christian holiday?: Easter is considered the most important Christian holiday because it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian theology. This event affirms Jesus as the Son of God and the savior of humanity, providing the foundation for Christian beliefs about salvation and eternal life.
What events in Jesus' life are commemorated during Easter?: Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which occurred three days after his crucifixion. This event is seen as the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah and is celebrated as a triumph over sin and death.
Why does the date of Easter vary each year?: The date of Easter varies each year because it is determined by the lunar calendar. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
How is Easter determined in the Christian calendar?: Easter is determined in the Christian calendar as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This method was established at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD to standardize the celebration across the Christian world.
What is the difference between Easter and Passover?: Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, while Passover is a Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. Although they often occur around the same time, they are distinct in their religious significance and rituals.
Why do Eastern Orthodox and Western Christians celebrate Easter on different dates?: Eastern Orthodox and Western Christians celebrate Easter on different dates due to differences in their calendars. Western Christians use the Gregorian calendar, while Eastern Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, leading to variations in the calculation of Easter.
What role did the Council of Nicaea play in determining the date of Easter?: The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD played a crucial role in determining the date of Easter by establishing that it should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This decision aimed to unify Christian practice and resolve disputes over the date.
How did early Christians celebrate Easter?: Early Christians celebrated Easter with a focus on the resurrection of Jesus, often involving a vigil and baptismal ceremonies. The celebration was marked by joy and community gatherings, reflecting the triumph of life over death.
What are traditional church services like on Easter Sunday?: Traditional church services on Easter Sunday are often marked by joyful hymns, the reading of resurrection scriptures, and the celebration of the Eucharist. These services focus on the themes of resurrection and new life, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' victory over death.
How is Lent connected to Easter?: Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance leading up to Easter. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and prepares Christians spiritually for the celebration of his resurrection.
What are common Easter traditions in different countries?: Common Easter traditions vary widely but often include church services, the decoration of eggs, and festive meals. In many countries, the Easter Bunny and egg hunts are popular, symbolizing new life and renewal.
What is the Easter Vigil and what does it signify?: The Easter Vigil is a service held on the night before Easter Sunday, marking the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter celebration. It signifies the transition from darkness to light, symbolizing Jesus' resurrection and the promise of new life.
Why is Easter Sunday always after the first full moon of spring?: Easter Sunday is always after the first full moon of spring to maintain its connection with the Jewish Passover and the lunar calendar. This timing reflects the early Christian desire to align the celebration with the resurrection's historical context.
What are the key differences in Easter celebrations between denominations?: Key differences in Easter celebrations between denominations include variations in liturgical practices, the date of celebration, and specific traditions. For example, Eastern Orthodox Christians often have a longer and more elaborate liturgy, while Western Christians may focus more on Easter Sunday services and community events.

Source: Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Key facts

Council of Nicaea: In 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
Quartodeciman Controversy: In the 2nd century, early Christians in Asia Minor celebrated Easter on the 14th day of Nisan, the same day as Passover, leading to disputes with Roman Christians who celebrated it on Sunday.
Eostre: The name 'Easter' is believed to have originated from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, whose festival was celebrated around the same time as the Christian Easter.
Paschal Full Moon: The date of Easter is determined by the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full moon on or after March 21, the fixed date of the spring equinox.
Easter Act 1928: In the UK, the Easter Act 1928 was passed to fix Easter Sunday as the first Sunday after the second Saturday in April, but it has never been implemented.

Context

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a foundational event in Christianity. Its timing is linked to the Jewish Passover, as the Last Supper is believed to have been a Passover meal. Over the centuries, various traditions and symbols, such as the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs, have become associated with the holiday, blending Christian and pre-Christian elements.