When is Easter Sunday 2025? Why the holiday falls so late this year
Discover the fascinating reasons behind Easter 2025’s late arrival and what it means for this cherished holiday.
While spring officially begins on March 20, 2025, the season’s warmth and blooming flowers are already making their presence felt. However, Easter Sunday, one of the most significant Christian holidays, won’t arrive until late April this year. But, why will this holiday be celebrated so late?
The answer isn’t quite what you might expect, bearing in mind that Easter is about celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Actually, Easter Day is set by the lunisolar calendar, which was created in Mesopotamia around 3000 BC. Here’s everything you need to know about Easter 2025, including why it’s so late and the key dates surrounding it.
When is Easter 2025, and why do we celebrate it?
Easter Sunday falls on April 20, 2025, marking the end of Lent and the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. This date is notably later than in previous years, sparking curiosity about how the holiday’s timing is determined.
Easter is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s the culmination of Holy Week, a series of significant days that include:
- Palm Sunday: Celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
- Holy Thursday: Marks the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist.
- Good Friday: Observes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Easter Sunday: Celebrates the resurrection.
These observances are deeply rooted in Christian tradition, offering a time for reflection, prayer, and celebration.
Why is Easter so late in 2025?
Easter’s date isn’t fixed—it’s a “movable feast” that shifts annually. Here’s why:
- Easter is always observed on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon occurring on or after March 21 (the spring equinox).
- In 2025, the Paschal full moon falls on April 13, pushing Easter to April 20.
- This timing aligns with the decree from the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which standardized Easter’s date to avoid regional discrepancies.
Interestingly, Easter 2025 coincides with Eastern Orthodox Easter, a rare occurrence that highlights the shared roots of Christian traditions.
Key dates leading up to Easter 2025
Here’s a quick list of important dates to mark on your calendar:
- Ash Wednesday: March 5 (start of Lent)
- Palm Sunday: April 13
- Holy Thursday: April 17
- Good Friday: April 18
- Easter Sunday: April 20
What is Lent, and when does it end?
Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection, began on Ash Wednesday (March 5) and concludes on Holy Thursday (April 17). This spiritual preparation is a cornerstone of the Easter season, emphasizing repentance and renewal.
Easter 2025’s late arrival offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the holiday’s rich history and significance. Whether you’re attending church services, participating in an Easter egg hunt, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, this year’s celebration is sure to be memorable.