This Jewish holiday festival commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt.
This year, Lent will begin Wednesday, Feb. 22, and end Thursday, April 5, with Good Friday on April 6 and Easter on April 8, marking the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penance.
Holy Week is that last week, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Easter is followed by a 50-day period called Eastertide, ending with Pentecost Sunday.
Each year, the date of Easter in Western Christianity varies between March 22 and April 25, based upon lunar position.
In Eastern Christianity, a different calculation is used, meaning this year’s Easter Sunday falls on April 15.
Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by symbolism and calendar position. In many European languages, the words for “Easter” and “Passover” are related historically or by pronunciation.
This year, Passover starts Friday, April 6, and ends Saturday, April 14.
This Jewish holiday festival commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt.