When Is Easter 2017? The Date and the Meaning of Easter
Easter Sunday this year falls on April 16. This holiday could be the most important festival of the Christian faith, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What is the meaning behind this ancient celebration?
The New Covenant
For Christians, Easter marks the victory of Jesus Christ over death through his resurrection, after laying down his life on the cross to pay for the sins of all mankind. Easter celebrates the affirmation of a new and everlasting covenant, with the promise of eternal life with God through faith in Jesus and the sacrifice he has made.
The event of the Resurrection Sunday is a foundation, and the oldest festival, of the Christian faith.
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How Is the Date for Easter Set?
Why does the date for Easter change every year, and how does one pin it down, exactly?
It's pretty simple, according to Birmingham Mail — the basis for Easter Sunday's date starts with the Passover. Jesus returned to Jerusalem in time for the Jewish celebration, and on the Last Supper, he broke bread with his disciples as a Passover tradition, as described by the Apostle Luke.
The Passover, in the Jewish calendar, takes place on the first full moon after the spring equinox. This night is also known as the Paschal full moon, from the word "Pascha," which is derived from an Aramaic word meaning "Passover."
In A.D. 325, it has been decided that Easter will always be on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon. That makes Easter Day the first Sunday after Passover.
Given this definition, what is the process to determine the Easter Sunday for 2017? Simply follow these steps: First, find the date of the spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox. Wikipedia says it's on March 20, 2017. Second, get a lunar calendar and determine the night of the first full moon after March 20, which is on April 11. Lastly, mark the first Sunday after April 11 as Easter Sunday, which will be on April 16!
