Easter is the only Christian holiday that does not fall on the same date every year. The celebration takes place on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal or spring equinox, which occurred on March 20th in the northern hemisphere this year. Easter is not a federal holiday in the United States, but many businesses and organizations recognize the day as a religious holiday, which marks the date of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
Here Comes The Pink Moon
This year, Easter lands on April 20th, 2025, the latest the holiday has landed in a long time. One cause of this late occurrence is the rare “Blood Moon” complete lunar eclipse that occurred on March 13 to 14th, 2025. The Blood Moon shifted the moon’s orbit, causing the following “Pink Moon” to also be delayed. The Pink Moon will occur on Saturday, April 12th, at 8:22 p.m. EDT. As a result, Easter is also delayed this year.
Fun Fact: The “Pink Moon” will not appear pink. Watch for the orange full moon on April 12th, 2025.
Roman Roots
When Constantine became the emperor of Rome and Christianity was legalized, he wanted to set Easter apart from the Jewish Passover. Both holidays are linked to the lunar cycles of the moon, but Passover follows the Hebrew lunar calendar. The moon has eight phases, which repeat every 29.5 days as it orbits Earth. In order to establish and maintain the connection between Jesus’ death, resurrection and nature, early Christians used the lunar phases to develop their own calendar.
The moon affects everything on Earth, from the ocean tides to the sleep schedule of every living creature. Humans have looked to the Gods and Goddesses of the universe for answers to life’s questions for centuries. It is no surprise that the moon continues to symbolize higher powers across nearly every major religion.
The Man in the Moon
I have always been fascinated by the moon and the night sky. Two of my tattoos feature the mysterious, glowing rock that orbits Earth. I would love to visit the moon before my time on Earth ends. With NASA working on incredible advances every day, including a project to replicate the moon’s environment on Earth, that may just be possible.
I have the moon to thank for teaching me that I am legally blind. I was eight years old on summer vacation with my grandmother. We were on a late-night walk after Easter dinner, enjoying a break from the scorching summer Florida heat. “Do you see the man in the moon? That’s God looking down on you.” she asked as she pointed up at the night sky. I was baffled. I only saw a blurry, glowing circle. “What is a crater?” I felt as though I was going crazy.
A trip to the eye doctor provided some much-needed glasses, and I was able to see the craters on the moon for the first time. I will be thanking the universe for lucky stars — and my vision — this Easter. Regardless of religious beliefs, we can all appreciate the beauty of the moon. Wishing everyone around the world a peaceful day celebrating this “moveable feast.”
