Micki’s Meanderings
Hello Again!
If you’re like me you are probably more than ready for spring to
come. I love winter but about this time of year I’m really tired of
the white stuff and cold.
With spring comes Easter and I’ve always wondered what
determines the date for Easter.
Easter holiday dates change each year, so sometimes it’s hard to
keep track.
While the dates for Christmas and Valentine’s Day are fixed and
easy to remember, Easter and the associated Bank holidays can fall
anytime between March 22 and April 25.
So, when is Easter 2018 and how is the date decided?
This year’s Easter takes place from Good Friday on March 30
until Easter Monday on April 2 - making Easter Sunday on
April 1, which is also April Fool’s day.
The death of Jesus occurred around the Jewish Passover, which
is traditionally held on the first full moon following the vernal
equinox.
As the full moon can vary in each time zone, the Church said
that they would use the 14th day of the lunar month instead – the
Paschal Full Moon – and host Easter Day on the following Sunday.
Once the date of that moon is known, Easter Day and the
Easter holidays can be determined.
The Easter weekend in 2018 kicks off on Good Friday, which
will be on March 30.
Christians celebrate Easter on a Sunday as it was the day Jesus
rose from the dead, following being crucified on a Friday two days
before.
Centuries ago in 325, it was determined by a council of
Christian bishops that Easter Day would always be on a Sunday
to commemorate the happy occasion.
I’m sure many of you already knew this but I’ve never really
researched it before and found this to be very interesting.
I wish you all a blessed Easter and a happy and healthy spring.
Take care,
HERVOICEvMARCH/APRIL 2018v3