Facts About Easter 2024

Easter, the most significant Christian holiday, is a “movable feast,” meaning its date changes every year. In 2024, Easter will be observed on Sunday, March 31, according to the Gregorian calendar. However, Eastern Orthodox churches often follow the Julian calendar, so their Easter will occur on Sunday, May 5, 2024 (after converting the Julian date to the Gregorian calendar). The date of Easter varies due to its connection with the lunar calendar and the requirement that it falls on the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon. The term “Easter” likely derives from the Old English word “Ēastre,” which was associated with the springtime goddess Ēostre. For more detailed information on Easter’s common and rare dates, as well as its origins.

Quick Facts About Easter

1. The term “Easter” originates from Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess associated with spring and fertility.
2. In some countries, Easter is referred to as “Pascha,” a term derived from the Hebrew word for “Passover.”
3. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus, occurring three days after his Crucifixion.
4. Before Easter, Passion Week, also known as Holy Week, is observed.
5. Easter is considered a movable holiday because its date depends on the timing of Passover, which is determined by the phases of the moon.

50 Amazing Facts About Easter

• The history of Easter dates back to the 2nd century when the earliest recorded observance of the holiday began. However, the commemoration of the Resurrection of Jesus predates this period.

• Easter is considered the oldest Christian holiday, with its origins tracing back to early Christian practices. Originally, Christians observed Christ’s Resurrection every Sunday before eventually dedicating an annual celebration to Easter.

• According to the Bible, Jesus was not alone during the Resurrection. Matthew 28 recounts the presence of an angel at the tomb who prevented the disciples from moving Jesus’ body by rolling away the stone.

• The tradition of the Easter bunny and its association with eggs and candies originated in Germany in the 16th century. Dutch immigrants later introduced this tradition to the United States in the 1700s.

• The Eastern and Western Christian churches celebrate Easter on different dates, with Eastern Christianity following the Julian Calendar for determining the holiday’s timing.

• Easter occurs after a period of forty days of Lent in the Christian calendar, excluding Sundays. This period typically involves fasting and acts of penance.

• The week leading up to Easter Sunday, known as Holy Week, includes significant events such as Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper, and Good Friday, marking Jesus’ Crucifixion.

• Western Christianity calculates the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, a practice observed by both Catholics and Protestants.

• Various cultural traditions surround Easter, including Polish folklore attributing the offering of eggs by the Virgin Mary to guard soldiers at the cross, leaving stains resembling tears.

• The white lily is recognized as the official flower of Easter, symbolizing purity and grace, and is commonly used for decoration in homes and churches during the holiday.

• Decorated Easter eggs have been recorded since the 13th century, symbolizing Jesus’ Resurrection and new life emerging from the eggshell.

• Bunnies became associated with Easter in Protestant communities in Europe during the 17th century, later becoming widespread in the 19th century with the belief that they lay, decorate, and hide Easter eggs.

• In the United States, Easter is celebrated with the tradition of leaving Easter baskets for children on the morning of the holiday, a practice that originated as a rejection of Catholic Easter customs.

• The tradition of egg painting, known as “Pysanka,” originates from Ukraine and involves using dyes and wax to create intricate designs on eggs.

• The “Real Easter Egg” includes an explanation of the Christian meaning of Easter and gained popularity, with thousands sold to churches in 2012.

• The annual White House egg roll tradition was initiated by President Rutherford Hayes and has been upheld by subsequent administrations.

• Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer previously portrayed the Easter Bunny during George Bush’s administration, a tradition continued since the inception of the White House Easter Egg Roll.

• In European countries, the Easter Bunny is sometimes referred to as the Easter Hare, and customs include egg hunts, making Easter baskets, and wearing bonnets.

• Various regional customs, such as rolling painted eggs down hills in Scotland and North-East England, contribute to the diversity of Easter celebrations.

• The production of Easter candies, including Peeps and jellybeans, reaches astronomical figures each year, with billions of pieces produced and consumed worldwide.

• Cadbury produces millions of Creme Eggs daily, with the Bournville factory in the UK alone manufacturing hundreds of millions annually.

• Despite the abundance of Easter eggs, excessive consumption can lead to health concerns, as children in the UK receive an average of 8.8 eggs each year, exceeding recommended calorie intake.

• Easter candy production involves significant quantities of chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, and chocolate eggs, contributing to the holiday’s sweet indulgence.

• Although Easter is predominantly celebrated by Christians, its origins can be traced back to pagan traditions.

• Good Friday, observed the Friday before Easter, commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

• Only 12 states in the United States officially recognize Good Friday as a holiday.

• Orthodox tradition prohibits the celebration of Easter on or before Passover.

• In 1873, Fry’s of Bristol introduced the first chocolate egg in the UK.

• Chocolate accounts for 70% of all candy purchases during Easter.

• Easter symbolizes celebration, joy, and the renewal of life.

• In the 1980s, Germany pioneered the creation of edible Easter bunnies made from sugar and pastry.

• Americans collectively spend an average of $14.7 billion on Easter festivities.

• Church attendance during Easter typically doubles compared to regular services.

• Over 28,000 Americans, comprising 59% of respondents, admit to eating the ears of the chocolate Easter bunny first.

• Easter ranks second only to Halloween in terms of consumer spending on candy.

• Early versions of Easter baskets were designed to resemble bird nests.

• American egg farmers donate over 11 million eggs annually to food banks across the country.

• To meet the high demand for Easter candy, production must occur year-round.

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