This is the earliest Easter in nearly a century. The last time Easter fell this early was in the year 1913. Some may find it strange considering we are still wearing coats and bundling up as we head out the door each morning.
We can contribute the rhythm of the moon for setting the date for Easter. The reasoning behind the early Easter is because the Holiday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal (Spring) Equinox. That full moon fell on March 21st, a Friday, thus Easter Sunday this year was March 23rd.
As some may rather enjoy Easter later in the year for warmer weather, you're in luck! No one alive today will see another Easter this early in the year. The Holiday won't fall again on March 23 (the second earliest day possible) until 2160.
Even more interesting, the latest day possible Easter Sunday can be is April 25th, and we can all have something to look forward to as that will occur in the year 2038. So although it was a cold Easter Sunday this year, the future does hold the potential for much warmer Easter Sundays allowing the coats, gloves, and hats to remain indoors for the traditional Easter Egg Hunt!
Cheryl Scott,
WSEE Storm Team