Easter is sometimes in March, sometimes in April. The first full moon in spring plays an important role in calculating Easter Sunday. But when was Easter Saturday again?
Claim: Easter Saturday comes before Easter Sunday.
Rating: Wrong.
Facts: Easter Saturday is only one week after Easter Sunday. The day before, one speaks instead of Holy Saturday.
The reason for this is very simple: in the census of that time, according to Christian tradition, Sunday was the first day of the week. Therefore, the week before Easter – the Holy Week – extends to Holy Saturday. The Easter week, which includes the following Easter Saturday, does not begin until Easter Sunday.
The syllable “kar” comes from the Old High German word “kara” for mourning or lamentation and describes the week of suffering that Jesus suffered according to biblical tradition before his resurrection. According to this, on Maundy Thursday about two millennia ago, Christ took the last supper with his disciples. On Good Friday, Christians commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross. Holy Saturday is the day of Christ’s burial rest, in the evening the Easter Vigil begins.
Easter Sunday is considered a day of joy among Christians because, according to their belief, Jesus rose from the dead on this day and thus symbolizes eternal life after death. The origin of the word “Easter” can be found in the Old High German name “ostra” for dawn.
Easter always falls on the Sunday after the first full moon in spring and concludes the 40-day period of Lent. Probably the oldest symbol is the Easter lamb, which stands for the risen Christ.
All information on the dpa fact checks Contact page for the dpa fact check team