- By Ajeet Kumar
- Tue, 15 Apr 2025 08:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Good Friday 2025: Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians across the world observe Good Friday- commemorating Jesus's rising from the dead three days after his crucifixion. It marks the culmination of the Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. However, unlike other days, Easter’s date changes every year because it follows a lunar calendar. Usually, it is connected to spring and observed on a Sunday.
Still confused? Here's a simple guide to Easter 2025:
When is Easter Sunday 2025?
Easter Sunday will be April 20, 2025. It’s a major Christian holiday celebrating Jesus Christ's resurrection, enjoyed by millions worldwide.
When is Good Friday 2025?
Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, is the Friday before Easter. In 2025, it’s April 18. People mark it with church services, fasting, or quiet time.
Why does Easter’s date change?
Easter is based on the "paschal full moon," not the actual full moon.
Here’s how it works:
The vernal equinox is set for March 21.
The paschal full moon is the 14th day of the lunar month.
Easter is the first Sunday after this moon.
Since lunar months (29 or 30 days) don’t match the regular calendar, Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25.
Do all Christians celebrate Easter on the same day?
Western Christians (like Catholics and Protestants) use the Gregorian calendar. Eastern Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar, which sometimes leads to different dates. In 2025, both groups will celebrate Easter on April 20.
Easter is a joyful time with church, family meals, egg hunts, and gatherings. Knowing the date helps you plan!
FAQs
Why is Easter 2025 a bit later?
The full moon is April 13, 2025, so Easter falls on April 20.
Is Good Friday a bank holiday in the US?
No, it is not a federal holiday. However, some states observe it, but most banks stay open, sometimes with shorter hours.
Is Good Friday a government holiday?
Good Friday is marked as a government holiday in India. Hence, banks, schools, colleges, the stock market and other public offices will be closed on this day.
Why is Good Friday not celebrated?
Good Friday is a day of mourning for Christians across the world due to the death of Jesus Christ on this day. It is a day to reflect on the suffering of Christ rather than celebration.
How is Good Friday observed?
The observance of Good Friday may vary across various denominations of Christianity. Special services to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ are held in churches. These include readings on crucifixion along with prayers of forgiveness.
Some believers also reflect "The Seven Last Words", which refers to the last statements of Jesus Christ before death. Some Christians observe fasts or abstain from certain foods as a mark of respect for the sacrifice of Christ.
Why is it called Good Friday?
Even though Good Friday is a day of mourning, it is called "good" as Christians consider the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is considered to a sacrifice for the salvation of humanity and an act of love and redemption, a core belief of Christianity.
