Why Does Christmas Have a Fixed Date While Easter Changes Every Year?

Explore why Christmas is always on December 25, while Easter’s date varies every year. Learn about the calendars and traditions behind these holidays.

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Christmas is celebrated on the same day each year, December 25th, because it marks the birth of Jesus Christ based on the Gregorian calendar. Easter, however, is based on the lunar calendar and falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This means the date of Easter varies each year between late March and late April, reflecting its connection to both Christian traditions and earlier pagan spring festivals.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25? Christmas is celebrated on December 25 to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, according to the Gregorian calendar.
  2. What determines the date of Easter each year? Easter's date is determined by the lunar calendar; it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
  3. What is the significance of the vernal equinox? The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring and is used to calculate the date of Easter in the Christian calendar.
  4. How do Christmas and Easter differ in celebrations? Christmas celebrations center around the birth of Jesus, while Easter focuses on his resurrection, reflecting different aspects of Christian faith.

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  1. Why Does Easter Change Dates Every Year Unlike Christmas? Discover why Easter's date varies each year, unlike the fixed date of Christmas, and learn about its connection to the lunar calendar.