Easter 2025: Date, Holy Week, Fasting Details and Why is it late?

With Easter Sunday 2025 on the horizon, numerous individuals are wondering about the importance of this significant holiday and its associated traditions. Easter is a holiday of celebration, reflection, and renewal, and is commemorated by Christians everywhere. In this article, we will be looking at the most important dates during Holy Week, the importance of Lent, and the traditions that make Easter a special time of year.

When is Easter in 2025, and why is it So Late This Year?

Easter Sunday in 2025 is on April 20, which is later than the usual date. This is because Easter follows a formula based on the lunar cycle. That is, Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. This year, the first full moon following the spring equinox occurs relatively late, which causes Easter to fall farther into April. Interestingly enough, in 2025, Western and Eastern Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on the same date, April 20, a rarity that won't recur until 2028.

Lent: A Time of Reflection and Fasting

Lent is a time of fasting and contemplation that lasts 40 days, commencing on Ash Wednesday and continuing until the day before Easter Sunday. Lent runs until sundown on Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025, for Catholics and possibly until Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025, for others. Christians use Lent as the time when many fast or sacrifice certain foods or habits as part of self-discipline practice, echoing how Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness.

Holy Week: A Time of Importance

Holy Week is the last week of Lent and features some of the most significant dates in Christianity. Here's an overview of the major dates:

• Palm Sunday (April 13, 2025): This celebrates Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when he was welcomed by palm branches.
• Maundy Thursday (April 17, 2025): The Last Supper, during which Jesus issued the commandment to love one another.
• Good Friday (April 18, 2025): This is the day when Jesus was crucified and died.
• Holy Saturday (April 19, 2025): A waiting day before Easter Sunday's celebration of the Resurrection.

Easter Sunday: A Celebration of Hope and Renewal

Easter Sunday is the most important Christian holiday, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible states that Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, and three days later (Sunday), his tomb was empty, representing triumph over sin and death. Easter is a day for celebration, contemplation, and renewal, and it is also typically observed with festive meals, family reunions, and traditional practices such as egg hunts.

Fasting and Food Traditions

During Lent, Christians fast or refrain from specific foods, such as meat, on Fridays. Easter Sunday is different in that there are no religious constraints on the consumption of meat, and many Christians feast with foods such as ham, lamb, or special treats.

Conclusion

Easter Sunday, 2025, is a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal. If you're a Christian celebrating the traditional traditions of Lent and Holy Week or just wanting to spend time with family and friends, Easter is a unique time of year with something for everyone. Learning about the meaning and traditions of Easter helps us better appreciate the significance of this sacred holiday and the values it symbolizes.

Also read: Nag Ashwin on Kalki, Inception, Khaleja and More!