When is Easter? How its date is determined each year and why some celebrate.
For millions of Christians worldwide, Easter is an important day for members of the faith. The holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which occurs after the 40-day period known as Lent.
Church services, reflection and prayer are some ways that people observe the holiday. Others enjoy a more secular celebration of Easter filled with bunnies, baskets and colorful eggs.
Each year, Easter falls on a different day. So, when does it occur in 2024? Here's some information on how Easter came to be and why it's celebrated.
When is Easter?
This year, Easter will be Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Why is Easter so early in 2024?
Easter's date changes depending on the year. The holiday is one of several "moveable feasts" in the liturgical year, the History Channel reports. Others include Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday.
Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon on or after the spring equinox. Since Western Christianity uses the Gregorian calendar, Easter typically falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25, according to the History Channel.
In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the date of Easter also varies. The branch follows the Julian calendar, meaning orthodox Easter falls between April 4 and May 8, the History Channel reports. This year, it will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
History of Easter
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the last day of the Holy Week, consisting of several days — each with its significance. These include:
Palm Sunday: commemorating when Jesus entered Jerusalem
Holy Thursday: commemorating the Last Supper and washing of feet
Good Friday: commemorating Jesus' crucifixion and death
Easter Sunday: commemorating the resurrection of Jesus
Of the four canonical Gospels, each has a version of the Passion, or final period of Jesus' life. While the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are similar in their accounts, the Gospel of John varies.
According to the text, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus who was arrested by Roman authorities after saying he was the Son of God. Jesus predicted this would happen at the Last Supper.
Jesus was then put on trial and later sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea. The events of the stations of the cross followed, ultimately leading to the crucifixion of Jesus.
Jesus was then buried in a tomb. And on the final day (Easter Sunday), Jesus' tomb was found empty. The Bible proclaims he rose from the dead.
Why do we celebrate Easter?
Easter is celebrated to remember the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. As a result, many Christians will go to Church services and pray in observance. Other aspects of the holiday, such as Easter eggs, also derive from Christian traditions.
The colorful Easter eggs you might decorate with your family are actually symbols of new life and rebirth. Ancient Christian communities in Mesopotamia would stain eggs red to represent the blood of Christ, which was shed at the crucifixion, NBC Chicago reports. The eggs also signify the empty tomb of Jesus.
As for the Easter bunny, its origins are not necessarily rooted in Christianity. The exact origins of the anthropomorphic rabbit are unclear. However, since ancient times, the hare has been said to represent rebirth, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
German Lutherans used an Easter hare for the Easter season, similar to Santa Claus' role during Christmas. Known as "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws," the rabbit would gift baskets of toys and candy to good children the night before Easter, the History Channel reports.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Easter 2024: Here's what to know and why its celebrated.