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.
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Easter does not fall on the same day each year because it is a moveable feast determined by the lunar calendar. Specifically, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. This means the date can vary between March 22 and April 25. In contrast, Christmas is fixed to the solar calendar and is therefore celebrated on December 25 each year.
FAQs & Answers
- Why is Easter called a 'moveable feast'? Easter is called a 'moveable feast' because its date changes each year, based on the lunar calendar rather than a fixed date in the solar calendar.
- What is the significance of the vernal equinox to Easter? The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and is used to determine the date of Easter, celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following this equinox.
- Does the date of Easter ever change in the same year? Yes, the date of Easter can change year to year and can be as early as March 22 or as late as April 25, depending on the lunar cycle.
- How is the date of Christmas determined? Unlike Easter, Christmas is fixed to the solar calendar and celebrated on December 25 each year, making it a consistent date.