As we bid farewell to winter and eagerly welcome the blossoms of spring, one question that often arises is, “When is Easter this year?” Unlike many other holidays with fixed dates, Easter’s arrival varies annually, keeping us on our toes. In 2024, Easter falls on Sunday, March 31st.
But why does Easter dance around the calendar each year? The date of Easter is determined by a unique set of astronomical and religious factors. Essentially, Easter Sunday is set as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, marking the onset of spring in the northern hemisphere. This intricate calculation involves the lunar calendar, the vernal equinox, and the Gregorian calendar.
To unravel the mystery of Easter’s date in 2024, we start with Ash Wednesday, which initiates the 40 days of Lent. Easter Sunday always lands six and a half weeks after Ash Wednesday. Hence, by tracking Ash Wednesday, we can pinpoint Easter Sunday.
In 2024, the vernal equinox graces us on March 19th. Following this, the first full moon, known as the Paschal Full Moon, occurs on March 25th, making Easter Sunday on March 31st.
While Easter Sunday steals the spotlight, the journey leading up to it is equally significant. The Easter season commences with Ash Wednesday, which fell on February 14th in 2024—coinciding with Valentine’s Day. On Ash Wednesday, church attendees receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and mortality, kicking off the solemn period of Lent, characterized by fasting, prayer, and reflection.
Holy Week, the pinnacle of the Easter season, begins with Palm Sunday on March 24th, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Subsequent days include Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday, each marking pivotal events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Despite common misconceptions, Easter doesn’t consistently occur on the third Sunday in April. It can fall as early as March or as late as April, dictated by the lunar and solar calendars rather than fixed calendrical patterns.
As we anticipate the arrival of Easter in 2024, let’s cherish the significance of each preceding event, from Ash Wednesday to the triumphant Easter Sunday, embracing the spiritual journey it entails.