EASTER
Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.Wikipedia
Easter and other religious holidays related to it—Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, and Good Friday—are called “moveable feasts.” This means that they are not fixed dates on the calendar. Instead, these holidays are assigned according to what’s called a lunisolar calendar, which aligns the moon’s phases as well as the sun’s position in the sky. (Passover and other Jewish holidays also adhere to the lunisolar calendar.)
How Is The Date Of Easter Determined?
According to a Fourth Century ruling, the date of Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full Moon of spring. It occurs on or shortly after the spring equinox (also known as vernal equinox). March 22 is the earliest Easter can occur in any given year, and April 25 is the latest. If the first spring full Moon happens to fall on a Sunday, Easter Sunday will be observed on the following Sunday.
Astronomers are able to tell us precisely when the Moon will perfectly oppose the Sun, which is when it is considered to be a “full.” However, the Church follows its own methodologies in determining when the Moon turns full. One important factor is something called the “Golden Number.” It is a rather arcane series of computations that in the end provides a date for Easter. Of course, on occasion, the date for the full Moon does not exactly line up with the date that is provided by astronomy.
HOW EASTER IS CELEBRATED The colorful Easter eggs you 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. 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 not clear. However, since ancient times, the hare has been said to represent rebirth.
German Lutherans used the "Easter Hare" during the Easter season similar to Santa Claus' role during Christmas. This rabbit would gift baskets of toys and candy to good children the night before Easter.
