What Is Easter Day?
Origin of the Name
The English word “Easter” is believed to derive from the Old High German term eostarum, emerging from the Latin phrase in albis (“at dawn”), symbolizing new beginnings and the light of resurrection .
Some scholars once connected the name to Eostre, an Anglo‑Saxon goddess of spring, but modern consensus favors the Christian liturgical origin tied to Pascha (Passover) .
Early Christian Significance
Easter quickly became the principal festival of the early Church, with recorded celebrations dating as early as the 2nd century, marking it as the keystone of Christian worship .
By the 4th century, Easter also became the primary occasion for baptism, when new Christians would enter the faith during the Easter Vigil .
When Is Easter Day?
Date Calculation
By ecclesiastical rules established at the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325), Easter occurs on the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon—an approximation of the first full moon after the vernal equinox .
This formula means Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25 .
Easter 2025
In 2025, Easter Day will be observed on Sunday, April 20 , offering ample springtime weather for both sunrise services and outdoor festivities.
Why We Celebrate Easter
Easter marks the culmination of Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday, includes the solemn observance of Good Friday, and reaches its high point in the celebration of the Resurrection .
For Christians, Easter signifies victory over death, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the foundation of Christian hope and faith .
Traditions Around Easter Day
Religious Observances
- Sunrise Services: Many congregations gather before dawn to rejoice in the Resurrection at first light .
- Easter Vigil: On Holy Saturday, parishes hold a Vigil, blessing baptismal waters and baptizing new members .
- Liturgy and Hymns: Festive liturgies and the singing of resurrection hymns underscore the joy of the day .
Secular Celebrations
- Easter Egg Hunts: Originating in 16th‑century Germany, organized hunts allow children to search for hidden eggs—a playful symbol of new life .
- Chocolate Eggs: By the 19th century, chocolate eggs became a beloved edible tradition, further popularizing Easter celebrations .
- Family Gatherings: Many families host festive meals featuring signature dishes like roasted lamb, symbolizing Jesus as the “Lamb of God” .
Symbols of Easter Day
Easter Eggs
Eggs represent the sealed tomb of Christ and His emergence in resurrection; decorating and exchanging eggs affirm themes of rebirth and hope HISTORY.
Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny, linked to pagan springtime lore of fertility such as the goddess Eostre, evolved into a benign symbol delivering eggs and sweets Real Simple.
Easter Lily and Lamb
- Easter Lily: Introduced from Japan in the late 1800s, the white lily symbolizes purity, virtue, and the resurrection .
- Lamb: Serving as both a liturgical and culinary symbol, the lamb recalls Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God .
Easter Day 2025: Trending Highlights
Unified Date Dialogue
In 2025, for the first time in over 400 years, Western (Gregorian) and Eastern (Julian) churches celebrate Easter on the same date . This rare alignment has reignited conversations about permanently unifying Easter’s date to foster Christian unity.
Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi Blessing
On April 20, 2025, Pope Francis delivered his traditional Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”) blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica, centering his message on peace, solidarity, and renewal in an increasingly divided world .