EACH YEAR, Easter falls on a different date — and this year, it came a little earlier than usual. In 2024, Easter was celebrated on Sunday, March 31. But why does the date vary, and how exactly is it determined? According to experts, the timing of Easter is linked to the full moon.
Easter Monday is a Christian holiday observed the day after Easter Sunday. In many countries across Europe and South America, it is known as “Little Easter,” while the Catholic Church refers to it as the “Monday of the Angel.” Historically, Easter was celebrated as an entire week in many places, but this was reduced to a single day in the 19th century.
Emperor Constantine (272–337 AD) once established eight consecutive public holidays in Rome, a period known as the “Octave of Easter.” Monday, along with the other days, was observed as a public holiday. Daily Masses were held throughout this period to celebrate the Easter feast, and pilgrims took the opportunity to travel to Rome. However, this tradition came to an end during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte.
In 1801, following the signing of the Concordat with the Pope, Napoleon — then First Consul — reorganized the practices of the Catholic Church in France. He reduced the number of public holidays, which had reached around 50 at the time. While he retained major feasts such as the Assumption, Ascension, Christmas, and All Saints’ Day, he abolished the week-long Easter holiday, leaving only Easter Monday as a day exempt from work.
To die is to live. We are often shocked when someone in our midst suddenly passes away. Our immediate questions are: “Why die so young? Why him? Why her?” Such reactions are natural.
When Jesus finally gave up His spirit on the cross after hours of agony, the Pharisees declared, “Finally, that impostor is gone. He deserved such a death.” Yet this was not the end of the story.
Let us remember: after the triumphant waving of palm branches and the cries of “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday; after the betrayal by Judas in the Garden of Olives; after the imprisonment and humiliation on Holy Thursday night; after the carrying of the cross, crucifixion, and death on Good Friday — Jesus Christ rose from the tomb on Easter Sunday, glorious and never to die again.
For Jesus, death was not the end, but the beginning of new life. The Resurrection is symbolically represented in many ways, all pointing to life after death. In regions where winter causes plants and trees to “sleep” for months, people rejoice in the sight of new shoots emerging from seemingly lifeless trunks — powerful reminders of renewal and rebirth.
Long before Christianity, eggs were already symbols of spring. They represent life and the potential for growth. Since Easter falls during springtime in many parts of the world (March or April)—though it is already summer in the Philippines — the egg has remained a meaningful symbol, even from early pagan traditions that predate Christian celebrations.
A blessed Easter to all of you, my dear readers. Walk this day with confidence in your heart, mind, and soul.
And enjoy your egg hunting with your loved ones!
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