Easter is coming up and here is what you need to know. There are two different Easters, one is Western Catholic Easter and the other is Eastern Orthodox Easter.

Western Easter falls on Sunday. April 5th under the Gregorian Calendar. 

In preparation for Western Catholic Easter people celebrate Holy week, starting the Sunday before known as Palm Sunday.

Leading up to Easter Sunday during Holy Week, Thursday represents the last supper, and Friday is the crucifixion. 

It is celebrated with a midnight or morning service for the resurrection, along with colorful eggs that represent new life and rebirth and flowers that represent purity.

WJPS 11th grader Josiah Williams stated, “My family and I go to church service at around 11:00am Easter Sunday, and service lasts around two to three hours filled with dance performances and sermons.”

Unlike Western Easter, Eastern Orthodox Easter follows the Julian Calendar, and a full moon after Passover, making Easter range from April 4th – May 8th. 

In preparation, people partake in a 40 day lent fasting period. 

Most celebrations start with a dark Holy Saturday and lead into a bright midnight Easter service signifying the resurrection, along with red-dyed eggs representing Christ’s blood.

WJPS 11th grader Eva Livaditis stated, “I go to a midnight service with my family. We light candles and say chants to represent the resurrection. We also have large meals filled with different meats.”