Easter is a major Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is a central tenet of the Christian faith. It occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, meaning its date varies each year between March 22 and April 25. In 2025, Easter Sunday falls on April 20.
Easter commemorates Jesus’ resurrection on the third day after his crucifixion, marking the culmination of Holy Week, which includes significant days such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The period leading up to Easter is Lent, a 40-day season of fasting, prayer, and penance.
In Western Christianity, Easter is celebrated with church services, sunrise vigils, festive family meals, and customs like decorating and hunting Easter eggs, which symbolize the empty tomb. The Easter lily is also a common symbol of resurrection used to decorate churches during Eastertide, the 50-day season following Easter Sunday.
Eastern Orthodox Christians observe Easter (often called Pascha) according to the Julian calendar, so their Easter usually falls later than Western Easter. Their Easter celebrations include a midnight vigil and a series of special liturgies during Bright Week, the week following Easter Sunday.
Easter traditions vary globally but often include gift-giving, egg rolling, egg tapping, and festive meals1. In many countries with Christian heritage, Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, giving people a long weekend to celebrate. For example:
Nordic countries observe Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday as public holidays, with many people taking an Easter break for travel or skiing.
Italy and the Netherlands treat both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday as national holidays, effectively creating a two-day Easter celebration.
In Greece, Good Friday through Easter Monday are public holidays, and public sector employees often receive Easter bonuses.
Commonwealth countries like the UK and Australia observe Good Friday and Easter Monday as bank or public holidays, while Easter Sunday is usually not a public holiday.
In the United States, Easter Sunday is not a federal holiday, though many cities hold Easter parades and community events.
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Thursday | April 17 | Also called Maundy Thursday |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Commemorates Jesus' crucifixion |
| Holy Saturday | April 19 | Vigil and preparation |
| Easter Sunday | April 20 | Celebration of the Resurrection |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | Public holiday in many countries |
Easter remains the most important and oldest festival in Christianity, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death.
This overview captures the religious meaning, date determination, cultural practices, and public holiday observances related to the Easter holiday in 2025.
May your Easter basket be filled with joy, happiness, and peace this season and always. Whatever lifts your spirits and fills you with hope—that’s what this season is all about.
Whether you celebrate with faith, family, or fun, may this Easter bring you peace, love, and renewed hope for the days ahead. Happy Easter to you and yours!
