Why Easter and Passover Are Different: Key Differences Explained
Discover why Easter and Passover are celebrated on different dates and the significance of their separate traditions.
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Easter and Passover are separated due to differing calculation methods. Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, based on the Gregorian calendar. In contrast, Passover begins on the 15th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which is lunisolar. This difference leads to Easter sometimes coinciding with, before, or after Passover. These distinct methods reflect Christian and Jewish traditions, emphasizing the historical and theological independence of each celebration.
FAQs & Answers
- What determines the date of Easter each year? Easter is calculated as the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, using the Gregorian calendar.
- Why does Passover have a different date each year? Passover is observed on the 15th of Nisan according to the lunisolar Hebrew calendar, hence its date varies each year.
- Is there a relationship between Easter and Passover? Yes, while Easter and Passover can coincide, they are separate celebrations rooted in different religious traditions and calendars.
- What is the significance of the vernal equinox in determining Easter? The vernal equinox marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and serves as a reference point for calculating the date of Easter.