Easter
Celebrate renewal and new beginnings on Easter! This important Christian holiday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is also celebrated as a spring festival of rebirth and renewal. From Easter eggs and bunnies to church services and family gatherings, embrace the joy and hope of this special season.
About Easter
Celebrate renewal and new beginnings on Easter! This important Christian holiday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is also celebrated as a spring festival of rebirth and renewal. From Easter eggs and bunnies to church services and family gatherings, embrace the joy and hope of this special season.
History & origins
Easter is the principal festival of the Christian church, commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and rooted in early Christian observance that dates to at least the 2nd century. In Western Christianity, its date was standardized after the Council of Nicaea in 325, which set Easter as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. The holiday also absorbed springtime customs from Europe, and the Easter Bunny tradition is commonly traced to German folk practice.
Why it matters
Easter matters because it is the high point of the Christian liturgical year, shaping worship, fasting, and Holy Week observances for millions of people. It also has major cultural and economic significance in the United States and beyond through family meals, egg decorating, gift-giving, and spring retail traditions tied to the season.
How to celebrate
Attend Easter services or spend time in reflection. Participate in Easter egg hunts with family and children. Prepare traditional Easter meals and treats. Decorate Easter eggs and create spring crafts. Share Easter joy and spring photos on social media.
Facts
- Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring
- The Easter Bunny tradition originated in Germany
- Americans consume over 16 billion jelly beans at Easter
- The largest Easter egg hunt had over 500,000 eggs
- Easter is the most important Christian holiday
Upcoming dates
- Sunday, April 5, 2026
- Monday, April 5, 2027
- Wednesday, April 5, 2028
- Thursday, April 5, 2029
- Friday, April 5, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Easter in 2026?
Easter in 2026 is on Sunday, April 5, 2026. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
What is Easter?
Easter is the Christian holiday celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important feast in many Christian traditions and ends the solemn period of Lent.
Who started Easter?
No single person started Easter; it began as an early Christian observance in the first centuries after Jesus. The date was later standardized by the Council of Nicaea in 325.
How do you celebrate Easter?
Common ways to celebrate Easter include attending church services, sharing a holiday meal, and taking part in egg hunts and egg decorating. Many families also use the day for reflection, spring crafts, and time together.
Is Easter always on the same date every year?
No, Easter changes every year. In Western Christianity, it can fall anywhere from March 22 to April 25 depending on the lunar calendar and spring equinox.
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