The Easter bunny has made♈ an early appearance this year, with Easter falling on Sunday, March 𝕴31. Some may question why Easter isn't in April this time around.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Easter 2024
Why is Easter celebrated?
Easter is a celebratio🅘n of the resurrection of Jesus C﷽hrist, occurring three days after his crucifixion by Romans circa 30 A.D.
Easter marks the culmination of the Holy Week, which comprises various dayꦡs, each holding its own importance. These inclu𝓀de:
Palm Sunday: Co🧸mmemorating Jesus🌊' entry into Jerusalem
Maundy Thursday: Co🅷mmemoratingꦗ the Last Supper and the washing of feet
Good Friday: Commemorating Jesus' cruci♓f🃏ixion and death
Easter 🐎Sunday: Commemorating the resurrect♕ion of Jesus
Why is Easter 2024 in March?
The timing of Easter in 2024 being in March is closely ti♈ed to the𝓀 lunar cycle. Typically, Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon occurring after the vernal equinox.
According to Earth sky, the equinox in 2024 took place on March 19-20, signaling the unofficial start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The first full moon following this 🔜equinox falls on March 24-25, 2024. In essence, Easter lands on the first Sunday following the occurrence of the full moon after the spring equinox. Should the full moon happen to be on a Sunday, Easter is celebrated on the subsequent Sunday.
Why is Easter called 'Easter'?
The origin of the term "Easter" has roots in ancient folklore, as explained by Brandi Auset, author of The Goddess Guide. Desp🐎ite its commercialization, Auset shed light on the origꦬins of the name and the association with rabbits.
"Some claim that the word Easter derives f𓆏rom Eostre, a pagan goddess of spring and fertility," they said. "According to folklore, Eostre found a bird dying from the cold and turned it into a rabbit so its fur would keep it warm—but that rabbit still laid eggs like a bird.
How is Easter celebrated?
The celebration of Easter 2024 includes joyous religious observances such as Easter morning services and the Easter Vigil held on Holy Saturday night. Additionally, many Christians partake in traditions like decorating Easter eggs, exchanging Easter baskets filled with treats and gifts, and arranging fun-filled egg hunts for chilꦅdren.
The Catholic Mass
The Easter Mass stands out as one of the lengthiest session🌊s within the Catholic Ma🐎ss. Commencing after sunset on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday morning, the Easter Vigil extends into the sunrise of Easter. With additional readings, songs, and rituals, the Mass can last anywhere from two to three hours.
Additionally, certain Christian denominations, including the Catholic and Orthodox churches💃, observe the Octave of Easter. This eight-day period commences on Easter Sunday and serves as the formal celebration of the Easter feast.
How did the Easter Bunny and Eggs become symbols of the holiday?
The 𒁏Ea𝕴ster Bunny and eggs have become emblematic of the holiday beyond its religious observances, thanks to commercial celebrations.
Here is a detailed account of all Easter sy𒈔mbols a🐼nd traditions.
