How Is the Date of Easter Determined Each Year? Explanation of the Paschal Full Moon

Discover how Easter Sunday is calculated based on the vernal equinox and the Paschal Full Moon, falling between March 22 and April 25.

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Easter is determined as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. The equinox typically falls on March 20 or 21, and the following full moon is referred to as the Paschal Full Moon. Therefore, Easter is celebrated between March 22 and April 25.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why does the date of Easter change every year? Easter changes annually because it is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, causing its date to range between March 22 and April 25.
  2. What is the Paschal Full Moon? The Paschal Full Moon is the first full moon after the vernal equinox, used to determine the date of Easter each year.
  3. When is the earliest and latest possible Easter date? Easter can occur as early as March 22 and as late as April 25, depending on the lunar cycle after the vernal equinox.

Watch More

For more insights on how religious and cultural holidays are set based on astronomical events, check out our related videos on Christmas date origins and lunar calendar holidays.

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