Why Is Easter Always On A Sunday?

Easter, one of the most important Christian holidays, commemorates Jesus’ resurrection. It falls at the end of Holy Week, starting on Palm Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday, occurring seven days before Easter Sunday.

The timing of Easter is based on the first Sunday following the first full Moon after the spring equinox. This year, Easter Sunday is on April 20, but historically, the holiday could fall between March 22 and April 25 due to the lunar calendar’s changes.

The tradition of celebrating Easter on a Sunday dates back to early Christianity when there was no fixed method for determining the Easter date. The Gospels mention Jesus’ resurrection on a Sunday, leading to the decision to celebrate Easter on this day.

Initially, there was a debate among early Christians about the day to celebrate Easter, with some linking it to Passover, which can vary in date. Eventually, in 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea declared that Easter should be observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, solidifying the practice that continues today.