Why Does the Easter Date Change

Unlike Christmas, the date of Easter is subject to change, as its date is determined by a lunisolar calendar.

What determines when Easter is each year?

How is Easter’s date determined? Easter is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon — officially called “Paschal Full Moon” — that lands on or just after the spring equinox.

Why does Easter change but Christmas doesn t?

Steven Engler, a professor in religious studies at Mount Royal University, says the basic reason the two differ is because Christmas is fixed to a solar calendar, near the winter solstice, and Easter is based on the lunar cycles of the Jewish calendar.

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Global Business & E-Commerce Reporter

Sophia analyzes international trade, startup ecosystems, retail transformation, and supply chain logistics for modern digital publications.

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