The determination of the date for Easter Sunday is a complex process rooted in both solar and lunar cycles. It is defined as the first Sunday following the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. For example, if the spring equinox falls on March 20th and the first full moon after that occurs on March 25th, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on March 28th.
This calculation holds significant historical and religious importance. It connects the celebration of Easter to ancient astronomical observations and aligns it with the Jewish Passover, providing a temporal link to core narratives within Christian theology. Understanding this calculation allows for consistent scheduling of religious observances and facilitates coordination across different Christian denominations.
