The Candlelight Sanctuary

Some may wonder why Easter Sunday does not appear on the same day, in this case the same Sunday, each year as most annual holidays do. The increased interest seems to be due to many taking notice of Easter’s very early arrival this year. For most of us living today this is the earliest Easter we have ever seen. Not only is this Easter the earliest we have ever seen, but none of us alive today will ever see it this early again. The last time it was on March 23, was 1913, and the next time it will arrive on this date will be in the year 2228.
This is not the earliest date for this Christian holiday, however. Though very rare, it may appear one day earlier, on March 22. The last time this occurred was 1818 and the next time will be 2285. So, no one living today has or will ever see it earlier than this year.
So why does the date change each year on our Roman calendar? The dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar used by the Hebrews to identify Passover. Easter will always be the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox, which is March 20 this year.