Easter Sunday, also called Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and holiday observing Jesus’ resurrection. The New Testament records it as the third day following his crucifixion.
Controversy
Early Easter celebration dates triggered a controversy between the East and West. The dispute, was not resolved until the 8th century.
In Asia Minor, Christians observed the Crucifixion on the same day that Jews celebrated Passover. The Resurrection was observed two days later, regardless of the day.
Western Christians celebrated the Resurrection on Sunday. Consequently, in 325, the Council of Nicaea decreed that Easter be observed on the first Sunday following the spring equinox‘s first full moon (March 21). Thus, Easter might fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25.
Eastern Orthodox churches use the Julian rather than the Gregorian calendar. The Orthodox Easter celebration usually occurs later than the Easter holiday celebrated by Protestants and Roman Catholics. In addition, the Orthodox faith bans Easter celebrations before or at the same time as Passover.
Moveable Feasts
In the 20th century, religious leaders wanted a fixed date for Easter. They proposed the Sunday after the second Saturday in April. Although the idea had many supporters, it failed. In the early 21st century, the ideas again arose. Religious leaders worldwide met to discuss. No formal agreement was ever reached.
Thus, Easter Sunday, Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, are called “moveable feasts.” They are not held the same date each year. Easter falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Typically the first Sunday after the spring equinox’s first full moon.
The Name’s Origin
In the 8th century, many believed the word came from the name Eostre, the goddess of spring. In other words, Christians took a pagan name and holiday. Given Christian determination to combat pagan religion in all forms, this seems unlikely. Most believe the word comes from the Latin “in albis” or the Christian words for Easter week. This term became eostarum in Old High German. The same language which is a basis for many modern German and English terms. The English word Easter sounds like the German word Ostern.
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Sources: Brittanica History; Wikipedia;
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