Easter 2024: Why it is Earlier This Year, and How it is Celebrated Around the World?

Easter is important to millions of Christians throughout the world as it represents Jesus Christ’s triumphant resurrection after his crucifixion and marks the end of the sorrowful 40-day period known as Lent. Easter, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s rebirth, is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Christians around the world. It is believed that on this day, Jesus resurrected from the dead after being crucified on Good Friday. While certain festivals, such as Christmas, have set dates, the date for Easter varies from year to year. This year, Easter falls on Sunday, March 31.

Easter 2024: Date And Why Is Easter Earlier This Year?

According to Fox10, as believers focus on the profound themes of sacrifice, redemption, and renewal, Easter acts as a beacon of hope and spiritual rebirth, reminding them of the enduring power of faith and the promise of fresh beginnings.

Easter Sunday not only marks the end of Holy Week and the end of the solemn month of Lent, but it also announces a time of joyful celebration and rejuvenation for Christians worldwide. The date of Easter changes with each passing year, and this year’s Easter arrives a little sooner than normal, bringing an added layer of excitement to the festivities, Fox10 reports.

According to Almanac.com, Easter always falls on the first Sunday following the Paschal Moon, which is the full moon that occurs on or after the March or spring equinox. While Christmas is fixed on a solar calendar, Easter is dependent on lunar cycles, hence the date might change. Rest assured; Easter dates are planned well in advance.

Easter 2024: History And Significance

The story of Easter is told in the New Testament of the Bible, where Jesus was arrested by Roman authorities because he claimed to be the “Son of God”. Pontius Pilate, the Roman Emperor, sentenced him to death by crucifixion. His resurrection three days later commemorates Easter. This day is also strongly related with the Jewish Passover holiday.

Easter marks the end of the “Passion of Christ,” which began with Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, and finished with Holy Week. Maundy Thursday (the celebration of Jesus’ last supper) and Jesus Christ’s death on Good Friday are part of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday.

Easter 2024: How It Is Celebrated Around The World?

Easter is celebrated in many ways around the world, with many nations infusing their own traditions and rituals into the festival. The weeklong festivities begin a week before Easter Sunday. The period is known as Holy Week, and it is supposed to cover the time between Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem and His crucification.

The festivities begin on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. It is a time when Catholics get together to remember and participate in Jesus Christ’s Passion. The Passion marked the end of Christ’s life in Jerusalem.

Several churches start the celebration on Saturday night with an Easter Vigil religious service. Meanwhile, non-religious celebrations include the tradition of Easter eggs, which represent fertility and birth, and the Easter bunny, which gives chocolates and sweets to children on Sunday mornings.

Easter 2024: Quotes

1. Easter is believed to symbolise hope, renewal, and new life.
2. Easter is a time to celebrate and give thanks for the gift of life, love, and joy.
3. Let resurrection joy transform us from loneliness, weakness, and despair into strength, beauty, and happiness.
4. Easter is the story of God’s amazing window of heavenly surprise.
5. Easter is a time to forgive, be forgiven, and make a new beginning.