What Is Easter, and Why Does It Matter?
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, described in the Gospels as occurring on the third day after his crucifixion — the central event of the Christian faith.
A shifting calendar date
Unlike Christmas, Easter doesn't fall on a fixed date each year — it's calculated based on the lunar calendar, typically landing on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
Holy Week leading up to it
The days leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, mark specific events including the Last Supper (Maundy Thursday) and the crucifixion (Good Friday).
Why it's considered central
The resurrection is described in Christian teaching as the foundation of the faith's message of hope beyond death, which is why Easter holds a more central theological place than even Christmas in many traditions.
Why does Easter's date change every year?
Because it's tied to the lunar calendar rather than a fixed solar date, similar to how other lunar-calendar-based observances shift from year to year.
