Orthodox Easter Monday: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Orthodox Easter Monday (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Orthodox Easter Monday is celebrated on April 17th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Orthodox Easter Monday, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you may want to know about Orthodox Easter Monday.

📅 What day is Orthodox Easter Monday 2024?

In 2024, Orthodox Easter Monday is on Monday, April 17th. It is the 3rd Monday in April; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the cool details and facts about April 17, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Churches of the Byzantine Rite, the day after Easter Sunday is known as “bright Monday” or “Monday of Renewal.” This year, it falls on April 17. The reason for the difference in the celebration of Easter between Catholics and Orthodox Christians is due to the use of different calendars. Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, where Easter is commemorated on Monday, while Catholics follow the Gregorian calendar, where Easter is celebrated on Sunday.

📜 Orthodox Easter Monday History

Each year, Easter is celebrated by Catholic Christians on the first Sunday after the Easter full moon, while Orthodox Christians celebrate it on the following Monday. It took a long time to establish these specific dates due to the complexity of the calculations involved. In the early centuries of Christianity, Easter festivities were held on various days, spanning over a week for the first Christian communities in the Middle East and Europe. The initial Council of Nicea, held in 325 under Emperor Constantine I, aimed to standardize religious ceremonies and festivals, leading to the development of the Ecclesiastical Calculation to determine the Easter date. Although Easter Monday holds great significance in Eastern Christianity, the celebration continues for an entire week known as the Bright Week.

✅ Orthodox Easter Monday Facts

🔖 The Easter Bunny is relatively modern
In 1680, the first tale emerged featuring a rabbit who concealed eggs in a garden, sparking the concept of the Easter Bunny.

🔖 It’s the biggest chocolate festival
During Easter, which is the most important time for the chocolate industry, the consumption of chocolates increases significantly. Specifically, for every four chocolates consumed in a year, three of them are eaten during Easter.

🔖 The second biggest candy holiday
Following Halloween, Easter is the second most widely celebrated holiday for indulging in sweet treats.

👍 Why Is Orthodox Easter Monday Important

Easter is a Christian event that commemorates Jesus Christ’s miraculous resurrection from the dead. It symbolizes the revival of hope and life.

Easter is marked by extended and joyous gatherings of family and friends to reinforce their links. It is also observed in churches via services that emphasize unity in worship and fellowship.

Easter celebrates the tenacity of life by commemorating Christ’s resurrection. The distribution of Easter eggs serves as a reminder that life is always a fresh start.

🙂 How To Observe Orthodox Easter Monday

⚡ Let the egg roll
In the United States, Easter Monday is not commonly recognized or celebrated. However, there is a special tradition held at the White House called the Easter Egg Roll. This event takes place annually and involves a unique competition where participants roll eggs down a hill, trying to keep them intact until they reach the bottom.

⚡ Bath in holy water
On Orthodox Easter Monday, people in countries like Poland and Slovakia participate in a tradition where they try to sprinkle each other with holy water. If you want to take part in this Christian practice, you can go to a church and get baptized with holy water.

⚡ Treat yourself to some chocolate
The Easter egg symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as eggs are often associated with new life. It’s exciting for kids to know that they can enjoy chocolate Easter eggs, which are specially made for this occasion.

📅 When is Orthodox Easter Monday?

Explore all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Catholic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Orthodox Easter Monday. So be sure to check back soon.