What is Easter?

Long before Jesus Christ became a subject of adoration worldwide, some people in Europe worshipped the Goddess of Spring, named ‘Eostre’. It was thought that the sun died in winter and was born again in spring. It was thought Eostre made the sun shine stronger, hence the name Easter for this time of the year.

However, the prevailing definition of Easter nowadays is that of a Christian festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion by the Romans.

Easter is always on Sunday but the date varies. Many years ago Christians decided Easter Day to always be on the Sunday following the first full moon after the first day of spring, around 21 March. This means that Easter can be as early as 22 March or as late as 25 April.

In fact not only is Easter a movable feast but it happens on different dates depending on where in the world you live. The reason for this is that in western church such as in the UK, America and Australia, we use the Gregorian calendar rather than the Julian calendar used in eastern churches.