11-04-2025
Curiosity
How the date of Easter is set explained
Why does the date of Easter move around? What are the differences between the Passover and Catholic Easter? Let's see the most important points of this liturgical event
How does Easter keep changing? What determines the date of Easter? What does determine Easter? And why are there 2 different Easter dates? These are some of the questions that many people often ask and which we want to give an answer.
Unlike other holy feasts, this one does not have a fixed date and changes every year. It is a moving feast and the Passover does not exactly correspond with the Catholic Easter. The former is known as the Passover of Liberation from the slavery of Egypt and is clearly based on the Jewish calendar, where the beginning of each month coincides with the new moon. Passover falls on the first full moon after the spring equinox.
It is different for Catholics, however. In this case we are referring to the Resurrection Easter and it is set on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. This method, based on the lunar calendar, makes the date variable between March 22 and April 25. This flexibility stems mainly from a desire to try to keep the celebration in line with the natural Jewish cycle of Passover, to which Christ's Resurrection is historically linked.
While some dates do not change in the liturgical calendar, others such as Easter change from year to year. It is a concatenated mechanism involving: Ash Wednesday, the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost and the first Sunday of Advent of the following liturgical year.
Easter is not only a liturgical occasion, but a fundamental event that calls Christians to deep reflection on the mystery of salvation, renewing each year the joy of faith and victory over sin. (Pasqua, otto cose da sapere sulla più importante festa cristiana)
HOW DOES EASTER KEEP CHANGING? WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PASSOVER AND CATHOLIC EASTER
In Christian faith, Easter represents an important moment, the basis of Christian hope that celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is about remembering Christ's victory over death and the promise of eternal life to the faithful.Unlike other holy feasts, this one does not have a fixed date and changes every year. It is a moving feast and the Passover does not exactly correspond with the Catholic Easter. The former is known as the Passover of Liberation from the slavery of Egypt and is clearly based on the Jewish calendar, where the beginning of each month coincides with the new moon. Passover falls on the first full moon after the spring equinox.
It is different for Catholics, however. In this case we are referring to the Resurrection Easter and it is set on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. This method, based on the lunar calendar, makes the date variable between March 22 and April 25. This flexibility stems mainly from a desire to try to keep the celebration in line with the natural Jewish cycle of Passover, to which Christ's Resurrection is historically linked.
While some dates do not change in the liturgical calendar, others such as Easter change from year to year. It is a concatenated mechanism involving: Ash Wednesday, the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost and the first Sunday of Advent of the following liturgical year.
Easter is not only a liturgical occasion, but a fundamental event that calls Christians to deep reflection on the mystery of salvation, renewing each year the joy of faith and victory over sin. (Pasqua, otto cose da sapere sulla più importante festa cristiana)