Easter is one of the most holy Christian Church holidays. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after His crucifixion. Church attendance is reportedly the highest of the year on that Sunday.
However, unlike many other holidays, some religious and some not, Easter does not fall on the same date each year. In fact, using the Gregorian calendar, it can fall anywhere from March 22 to April 25. It is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox (in the spring as opposed to the autumnal equinox). It has its origins with the Jewish Passover which has been celebrated for centuries using the same calculation to set its date. Interestingly, next year Easter falls on April 21, which is close to the latest it can be celebrated.
Easter marks the end of Holy Week that began this past Sunday with Palm Sunday, marking Jesus triumphal arrival into Jerusalem. That was followed by Maundy Thursday, the date on which Jesus and his disciples ate the last supper. Today is Good Friday, the day He was crucified.
There have been numerous efforts by religious groups and governmental entities to change or simplify the date on which Easter falls, but to date, nothing has been accomplished.
The word Easter is not mentioned in modern versions of the Bible. It is used only once in the King James version, and that is in the book of Acts 12:4. It reportedly comes from the name of the pagan goddess of the sunrise, spring and dawn. The direction of the sunrise, east, is supposedly named for her.
We hope everyone can enjoy a bright and glorious Easter.