You are certainly aware that unlike Christmas, Easter is a moveable feast day. It is because it is tied to the cycle of the moon and the date of the vernal, astronomical, or spring equinox. The vernal equinox is when the sun is sort of half way between the North and the South poles. The vernal equinox was on March 20th in 2026. In Western Christian traditions, Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon of astronomical spring*.  If you look up into the sky tonight it will be a full moon.

Easter is the holy day in Christianity that is tied to the rhythm of creation and to Christianity’s Jewish roots. According to the Bible, Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples. Passover is tied to the first full moon of spring, which means that Jewish people around the world will begin celebrating Passover tonight with a large meal that will include family and special guests.

Check out that moon tonight (known as a pink moon). In Anishinabek tradition, April is symbolized by the Sucker Moon, a time when life begins to bloom anew and the rhythms of nature guide us through a period of transformation. It is a time to honour the earth, reflect on personal growth, and embrace the renewal of the spirit.

What will I reflect on this day?

*In case you are interested, in Eastern Christian traditions Easter falls on the Sunday after the completion of Jewish Passover, which will end on April 9th, so Orthodox Easter falls on April 12th this year.