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The April full moon, often referred to as the Pink Moon, will grace the night sky on Saturday, bringing with it a celestial event steeped in tradition and astronomical significance. This full moon in April, a term coined by Native American cultures to track the changing seasons, also plays a crucial role in determining the date of Easter and Passover.
Understanding the Pink Moon
Despite its evocative name, the “Pink Moon” is not anticipated to exhibit a pink hue. The appellation “Pink Moon” can be misleading, potentially leading observers to expect a lunar display tinged with rose or salmon shades. Recalling a childhood experience, I remember being prompted by a weatherman to observe the pink moon, only to be met with a full moon that appeared quite ordinary.
The designation “pink” originates from the vibrant springtime blossoming of a wildflower, Phlox subulata. This plant, also known as creeping phlox, moss pink, or mountain phlox, is native to eastern and central regions of the U.S. and Canada and typically bursts into color in April. Consequently, the April full moon adopted the “Pink Moon” moniker from this characteristic spring bloom.
Easter’s Date and the Paschal Moon
Adding another layer of significance, this April full moon is also designated the Paschal Moon. This lunar occurrence holds importance for both Christian and Jewish faiths, as it dictates the commencement of Passover and the timing of Easter.
Passover and the Lunar Cycle
The Hebrew calendar marks the beginning of Nisan, the month of Passover, with the new moon closest to the vernal equinox. Subsequently, the following full moon, identified as the Paschal Moon, occurs on the 14th or 15th of Nisan, thus coinciding with Pesach, or Passover.
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Determining Easter Sunday
Easter is observed on the Sunday immediately after the first full moon that transpires on or following the vernal equinox – this full moon is the Paschal Moon. Given that the Paschal Moon this year arises on Saturday, one might anticipate Easter to follow on Sunday.
However, this is not the case.
Instead, Easter Sunday in 2025 will be celebrated on April 20, a full eight days after the Paschal full moon. The reason for this variance will be elucidated shortly.
Before addressing this, it’s important to consider certain specific regulations that govern the determination of Easter’s date.
The Discrepancy: Ecclesiastical Rules versus Astronomical Observation
Fixed Equinox Date
Firstly, current church guidelines stipulate that the vernal equinox, marking the start of spring, is fixed on March 21. In contrast, astronomically, between 2008 and 2101, the equinox consistently occurs on or before March 20. This fixed date can lead to anomalies. For example, in 2038, while the equinox falls on March 20, a full moon occurs the following day. Astronomically, Easter should then be on March 28. However, adhering to ecclesiastical rules, Easter in 2038 will be observed on April 25, the latest possible date.
Ecclesiastical Moon Calculations
Secondly, the Paschal Full Moon‘s timing is determined not by astronomical calculations but by ecclesiastical tables. These tables derive lunar dates (computus paschalis) through elements like epacts and the Golden Number. Consequently, the “ecclesiastical moon” date may not always precisely align with the actual lunar phase.
As noted by mathematical astronomer Jean Meeus in his book “Mathematical Astronomy Morsels,” between 1583 and 2582, there are 78 instances where Easter is calculated solely based on ecclesiastical rules, diverging from astronomical data.
Meeus states, “Due to the spring equinox not always occurring on March 21, and the Paschal Full Moon not perfectly coinciding with the true full moon, inevitable years arise when Easter’s date is astronomically inaccurate.”
Intriguing Easter Date Facts
Meeus also highlights other interesting facts concerning Easter’s dating:
- The earliest possible Easter date is March 22 (last occurrence: 1818; next: 2285). The latest is April 25.
- March Easter dates are always “isolated,” preceded and followed by April Easters. Isolated April Easters are rarer; the last was in 1990, and the next will be in 2085.
- The Gregorian calendar could theoretically have ten consecutive April Easters, but this has never happened since 1582. It’s projected to occur for the first time from 2856 to 2865.
- Between 2000 and 7999, April 19 is the most frequent Easter date (231 times). However, from 2000 to 2999, April 16 is most frequent (43 times).
Explaining the Late Easter in 2025
Returning to the question of why Easter is unusually late in 2025, the reason is not connected to ecclesiastical dating methods or vernal equinox discrepancies. The Paschal full moon does occur on Saturday, depending on time zones.
However, in European longitudes (“The Old World”), including the Vatican, the Paschal full moon occurs after midnight, early Sunday morning.
Thus, the first Sunday after the Paschal Moon in the Old World falls a week later, on April 20, determining Easter Sunday’s date this year – the latest since 2019 and until 2030, both on April 21.