How Easter’s date is calculated and why it changes
Learn how Easter’s date is calculated and why it changes every year.
Christmas has a set day – Dec. 25. Independence Day is always July 4. Some holidays are locked on the calendar.
Easter isn’t. Yes, Easter is always on a Sunday, but it can be in late March or mid-April.
So why does the holiday float around the calendar? Here’s what you know about Easter’s date, when we celebrate and why we celebrate.
When is Easter 2026?
Easter is Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Why is Easter a floating holiday?
The holiday date is determined by the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, which is March 20. The Paschal full moon will occur on April 1, making Easter April 5.
What is the earliest Easter can happen?
The earliest date for Easter is March 22; however, it’s an infrequent occurrence. The last time Easter fell on March 22 was in 1818. The next time Easter falls on March 22 will be in 2285.
What is the latest Easter can happen?
The latest date for Easter is April 25. The last time it fell on April 25 was in 1943. It will happen again in 2038.
Why do we celebrate Easter?
Easter is a Christian holiday celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at the end of Holy Week. After his crucifixion, death, and burial on Good Friday, Jesus rose from the grave three days later, according to Christianity.com. It is the cornerstone of Christianity, signifying the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption. Christians celebrate Jesus’ conquering death and God’s love for humanity.
How is Easter celebrated?
Religiously, each Christian denomination has a different way to celebrate Easter. Each focuses on church services. According to Britannica.com, Protestants in North America hold sunrise services which is derived from the Gospel readings where Mary Magdalene went to the tomb as dawn was breaking to find it empty. Lutheran, Anglican and Roman Catholics hold Easter Vigil services on Easter Saturday and Easter services on Easter Sunday.
Secular festivities include Easter egg hunts and baskets filled with candy and gifts brought by the Easter Bunny for children.
Why are eggs colored for Easter?
According to Britannica.com, the custom started in the 13th century. During Holy Week – the period between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday – the church prohibited the eating of eggs. Since chickens continued to lay eggs, those were considered Holy Week eggs and decorated. The egg is also considered a symbol of the resurrection. As Jesus emerged from the tomb, new life emerges from the egg.
What does the Easter Bunny have to do with Easter?
According to history.com, the Bible makes no mention of Easter bunnies. Rabbits are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life and are known as prolific procreators. The exact origins of the Easter Bunny are unknown.
What is known is that the Easter Bunny first arrived in the United States in the 1700s. German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania brought the tradition of the egg-laying bunny “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Children would build nests and the creature would lay colored eggs in them. The custom spread throughout the country and nests were switched to baskets and the famous bunny brought chocolate, candy, gifts and eggs.
