
Easter, also known as Pascha (
Greek Πάσχα: Passover), the Feast of the Resurrection, the Sunday of the Resurrection, or Resurrection Day, is the most important religious
feast of the
Christian liturgical year, observed between late March and late April (early April to early May in
Eastern Christianity). It celebrates the
resurrection of Jesus, which his followers believe occurred on the third day after his death by
crucifixion some time in the period AD 27 to 33 (see
Good Friday). In the
Roman Catholic Church, Easter is actually an eight-day feast called the
Octave of Easter.
Easter also refers to the season of the church year, lasting for fifty days, from Easter Sunday through
Pentecost.