What is the Easter celebration?

Most Christians will celebrate Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on May 5, 2024. Many religious holidays like Easter are known as "movable feasts," which means they are not fixed dates on the calendar, but are celebrated in accordance with the lunisolar calendar. Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full moon of spring, according to the Farmer's Almanac. Easter occurs shortly after the vernal equinox.

Easter is a central holy day of Christianity and commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus three days after His death by crucifixion. Jesus's resurrection is an awe-inspiring component of Easter. Prior to Easter, on what is now known as Good Friday, Jesus sacrificed Himself for all humankind and redeemed the public from sin through His death on the cross. Sacrifice, death and resurrection are key tenets of what developed into the Christian faith and set it apart from other religions, including Judaism, with which Christianity shares many components.

To prepare for Easter, celebrants participate in Lent, which is marked by prayer, repentance and fasting. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends during Holy Week on Holy Thursday, which marked Christ's Last Supper. Lent is immediately followed by the Holy Triduum, a liturgical season in its own right, according to Catholic.com.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says the word "Easter" comes from Old English meaning the "East." Since the sun rises in the East and brings light, warmth and hope, it is a symbol for the rising of Christ who is the true light of the world. The Paschal Candle used during the Easter Vigil is a symbol of this divine light.

Easter is the most important time on the Christian liturgical calendar. Much like Christmas does not simply end on December 25, Easter is celebrated over the course of a season. Ultimately there are 50 day of Easter, beginning on the first Sunday and culminating with the Pentecost, which marks the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after His Ascension into heaven.

Easter is a time of profound reflection and joy. While the arrival of Christ through his birth on Christmas is worthy of celebration, the Church recognizes that Easter is the foremost Christian celebration.