Easter in Western Christianity
Easter in Western Christianity, celebrated by Catholics and Protestants, is a movable date that varies each year, determined by a calculation that takes into account the lunar cycles. It occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon that follows the spring equinox, and can fall between March 22 and April 25. This method was established at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, with the aim of unifying the celebration among the various Christian communities.
The date of Easter not only affects this celebration, but also impacts other important festivals in the Christian calendar, such as Lent and Pentecost. Easter, therefore, is deeply linked to the cycles of nature, symbolizing the renewal and resurrection of Christ. Before Easter, the faithful experience Lent, a period of 40 days of penance and reflection.
The week before Easter is marked by Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday. In the following three days, called the Easter Triduum, Christians celebrate Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, moments that prepare the hearts of the faithful for the great celebration of Christ's resurrection.
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