What Is Easter Monday?

You thought Easter was over? Think again! Today (Monday, April 6) is a Christian holiday known as Easter Monday. While often overshadowed by Easter Sunday, the lesser-known holiday has been observed by Christians for over 1,500 years. But what exactly is Easter Monday?

Easter Monday

To understand Easter Monday, one must first understand the origins of Easter itself. The earliest known Easter celebrations took place in the second century, but in AD 325, the Council of Nicaea – a gathering of Christian leaders – determined Easter should fall on the “first Sunday after the first full moon that follows the spring equinox,” according to History.com.

As early as the fourth century, however, Easter was stretched into an eight-day celebration, known as the “Octave of Easter.” “This period of extended celebration and worship, which continues among some Christian traditions today, spans Easter Sunday through the following Sunday (or Second Sunday of Easter),” the site continued.

Easter Monday was eventually recognized as the day immediately following Easter Sunday. The extended Easter holiday gives Christians the chance to properly celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death, giving all who believe in Him everlasting life in Paradise. Christ’s resurrection is arguably the most important event in the Christian faith.

Little Easter

Easter Monday has also been known as Bright Monday, Renewal Monday, Little Easter, and Monday of the Angel. While the Catholic Church remains one of the only Christian institutions to observe the Octave of Easter, some countries still recognize Easter Monday as a public holiday, including most of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, Germany, Nigeria, France, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Easter Monday is not a federal holiday in the United States; however, a beloved tradition is held every year on the day after Easter: The White House Easter Egg Roll. During the popular event, children roll Easter eggs down the White House lawn.

Easter Messages

For decades, American presidents have issued messages recognizing Easter. This year, President Donald Trump kept that tradition going with a statement focusing on the world-changing sacrifice of Jesus Christ:

“When Jesus Christ rose from His earthly tomb on Easter morning, He restored our grace, washed our sins, and reconciled humanity with God—fulfilling the ancient prophecy that ‘He was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity … by His wounds we were healed.’  His suffering won our victory, His love brings us life, and His Resurrection is our everlasting hope.”

President Trump’s message also gave a nod to the United States’ semiquincentennial, stating that “the life of Jesus Christ and the truths of the Gospel have inspired our way of life and our national identity for 250 years.” Trump acknowledged the “Christian patriots who won and secured our liberty on the battlefield and every generation since.”

In 2024, President Joe Biden struck a similarly religious tone in his Easter message, which read, in part: “As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities.”

During a time of great political division in the United States, it’s nice to know some common ground can be found between the two political parties thanks to the Easter holiday – from Sunday to Monday and throughout the entire Octave.

1. Easter Monday is part of the Octave of Easter, an eight-day celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
2. Christians have observed Easter Monday for over 1,500 years.
3. Easter Monday is also called Bright Monday, Renewal Monday, Little Easter and Monday of the Angel.