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When is the Resurrection of Christ among Catholics and how does the holiday differ from Orthodox Easter
Easter is one of the main holidays of the church calendar. It is dedicated to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and is equally important for both Western and Eastern Christians, symbolizing the triumph of life over death. Like Orthodox Christians, Catholics gather on this day for solemn divine services, participate in festive masses and consecrate treats. In many countries, the celebration is accompanied by family gatherings and Easter charity events. Read about the traditions of Catholic Easter and its differences from Orthodox Easter in the Izvestia article.
From Passover to Easter: how the holiday was formed
According to the gospel narrative, on the third day after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, myrrh-bearing women came to the place of His burial to anoint the body with incense. However, they discovered that the stone covering the entrance to the tomb had been rolled away, and the tomb itself was empty. This event became evidence of the Resurrection and formed the basis of the main Christian holiday.
Easter is considered the oldest celebration of the Christian Church and dates back to apostolic times. Already the first followers of Christ annually remembered the events of Holy Week and the joy of the Resurrection, passing on this tradition along with the sermon. The uniform procedure for determining the date of the holiday was established in 325 at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea.
The name "Easter" comes from the Hebrew word "Pesach," which means "crossing over" or "passing by." It recalls the biblical episode when the angel of death passed by the houses of the Israelites. In the Jewish tradition, the holiday is also associated with the exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the people of Israel from slavery.
Since the crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ took place in Jerusalem during the celebration of Passover, early Christians saw a deep spiritual meaning in this. In the Christian understanding, Easter has become a symbol of a new exodus — the liberation of man from sin and spiritual death.
Date of Catholic Easter in 2026
Easter refers to transitional celebrations, so the date of the holiday changes annually. According to the church rule, celebrations take place on the first Sunday after the first full moon, which comes after the vernal equinox.
Catholic Easter usually falls between March 22 and April 25. In 2026, the Resurrection of Christ will come two weeks earlier than last year— on April 5. Accordingly, Lent, which precedes the celebration, will also end earlier this year — on Saturday, April 4.
Why do Catholics celebrate Easter earlier
Western Christians celebrate Easter much earlier. The differences in dates are due to historical reasons. After the reform of Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, the Catholic world switched to the Gregorian calendar. While the Orthodox Church continues to adhere to the Julian style and uses it for liturgical calculations.
Sometimes Catholic and Orthodox Easter coincide. For example, in 2025, Christians celebrated the Resurrection of Christ on the same day — April 20. But more often the dates fall at different times. In addition, there is a rule in the Orthodox tradition that Easter cannot be celebrated before the Jewish Passover.
Despite these differences, Easter remains the main holiday of the church year for all Christians. It unites millions of believers around the world, reminding of the sacrifice of Christ and the hope of salvation and eternal life given to man. This day is also associated with the idea of spiritual renewal of man, liberation from sin and the beginning of a new life.
Traditions of celebrating Easter among Catholics
Catholic preparations for the celebration begin with Holy Week, which culminates in the Easter Trident — Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On these days, believers remember the Last Supper, the sufferings of the cross and the death of Jesus Christ.
Of particular importance is the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. After dark, a fire is lit in front of the temple, from which an Easter candle is lit. Parishioners light their candles from it. This ceremony symbolizes the transition from darkness to light, from death to life.
On Holy Saturday, the consecration of products also takes place. Baskets of eggs, bread, meat, salt and Easter cakes are brought to the temple. Eggs symbolize a new life, bread — prosperity and blessing, and meat products remind of the end of Lent.
Sunday morning traditionally begins with a solemn mass, after which words of congratulations are heard and families gather around the festive table to celebrate the celebration in a close circle.
In addition, Easter among Catholics is associated with works of charity. Many parishes organize charity dinners, fundraising, and assistance to those in need. Thus, the Resurrection of Christ is not only an occasion for bright joy, but also a reminder of Christian love and caring for one's neighbor.
What is served on Catholic Easter — do they bake cakes?
Baked lamb or rabbit meat is usually present on the Easter table. The meat is complemented with vegetable side dishes, fresh bread and cheeses. Baking occupies a special place on the holiday. In Italy, colomba is prepared for Easter — a cupcake with dried fruits and nuts in the shape of a pigeon, in Germany — sweet rolls and sweet woven bread made from yeast dough.
In Poland, they put mazurkas on the table — shortbread pies with nuts and icing, which serve as an analogue of a cake. Some families bake a special lamb—shaped cake that symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. It is often made from sponge dough and covered with white icing.
Why did the rabbit become the symbol of the holiday?
The main symbol of the celebration has been the Easter bunny for several centuries, which is especially popular in Western Europe, the USA and Canada. The first written mention of it dates back to the 17th century. Traditionally, the appearance of this symbol is associated with pagan rituals dedicated to the goddess of spring and fertility Eostre (Ostara).
The hare, a symbol of life, renewal and high fertility, was considered the sacred animal of the deity revered by the ancient Germanic tribes. Over time, folk beliefs intertwined with the Christian symbolism of Easter, which is also associated with renewal and rebirth.
According to legend, the Easter bunny brings treats to obedient children, but does not put them on the table or under the pillow, but hides them in a secluded place. Therefore, on a holiday, children go in search of gifts. These are usually colorful plastic eggs, where parents put sweets, and children look for them and put them in baskets.
On the eve of Easter, shop windows are decorated with a variety of rabbit figurines, and pastry chefs are releasing special collections of chocolate eggs and sweet gifts. Shopping malls decorate themed photo zones, and children's parties are held in parks and city squares with the participation of animators in rabbit costumes.
Easter service: How is the service going?
The central event of the holiday for Catholics is the Easter Mass and the solemn singing of the hymn Gloria ("Glory to God in the Highest"), which is heard in all churches after the Old Testament readings. Believers address each other with the traditional greeting: "Christ is Risen!", and in response they hear: "Truly he is risen!"
At the same time, it is not customary for Catholics to accompany congratulations with hugs and kisses, as well as to "beat" with colored eggs. One of the notable differences also applies to Lent. In the Catholic tradition, it lasts for 6 weeks (excluding Sundays) and 4 days, but strict restrictions apply only for three days. On other days, it is allowed to eat eggs, dairy products and fish.
The Western tradition also does not imply strict restrictions on entertainment: believers can sing, dance, receive guests, devote time to their favorite hobbies and participate in entertainment events. However, prayer, repentance, and acts of mercy come to the fore.
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