Easter Friday arrives at the beginning of spring and is often seen as the bridge between winter and summer.

Impress your family and friends with these interesting Easter facts that explain the little-known origins behind common traditions.

1. Easter dates are determined by the full moon.
Easter falls on the first Sunday after the Full Moon date, based on mathematical calculations, that falls on or after March 21. If the Full Moon is on a Sunday, Easter is celebrated on the following Sunday.

2. March 31 and April 16 are the most common Easter dates.

3. Not everybody celebrates Easter Friday on the same date.
Easter Friday, also known as Good Friday, is observed around the world on different dates depending on which calendar they use, and which branch of Christianity they follow.
In the Gregorian calendar, followed by much of the Western world, Easter typically occurs during late March or early April.
Christians in the Orthodox Churches, such as the Russian, Greek, or Georgian Orthodox Churches, mark Easter later, during April or early May.

4. Easter Friday marks the death of Jesus in the Christian calendar.
Jesus is said to have died on a Friday afternoon in A.D. 33. The day falls before the Passover and the Sabbath, which were on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
According to the Bible, Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples, known as the Last Supper. Many scholars believe that this happened on a Thursday, the evening before his death on Easter Friday.

5. Good Friday was also known as "Holy Friday".
Back in the days of the Bible, the word "good" was synonymous with "holy." Therefore, Good Friday was also known as Holy Friday.
The Bible teaches that Jesus was crucified to pay the price for the sins of the world. Christians believe that they are drawn to Jesus and encouraged to be better or more holy as a result.
For many Christians, Good Friday is part of a "Holy Week." The week lasts for eight days and begins on the Sunday before Easter Sunday, known as Palm Sunday. This was the day that Jesus came to Jerusalem.

6. Christians worldwide observe Easter Friday in different ways.
Around the world, Christians come together in churches to mark the Easter period, including Easter Friday. Many churches host Good Friday services, which include Bible readings and hymns.
Processions and parades before the church services might also be seen in some Christian communities. Some use this day as an opportunity to show remorse for their wrongdoings.

7. Planting crops is an Irish tradition on Easter Friday.
Traditionally, farmers in Ireland believed that crops would grow better if they were planted on Easter Friday.

8. Thousands of people retrace Jesus' steps on Easter Friday.
Roman Catholics and Protestants come together in Jerusalem to walk the same route Jesus took before his death.
Jerusalem was the city where Jesus is believed to have lived and performed miracles.

9. Easter Friday is a public holiday for millions of people.
Although it is not a federal holiday throughout the country, it is celebrated in states including Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, and Texas.
Banks, schools, restaurants, and shops are closed on Easter Friday in states that recognize this day as a state holiday.

10. Not all Christians observe Easter Friday.
Some denominations, such as Protestant Reformed Christians, criticize Easter as they believe it came from pagan traditions related to spring.
Other Christian groups reject Good Friday and the Easter holidays entirely. Among these are Quakers and Jehovah's Witnesses.

Sources
University of Chicago / Britannica / Almanac / Royal Museums Greenwich / Wikipedia / Crosswalk / Why Easter / Irish Times / The Pioneer Woman / Info Please / Bein Harim Tours / The Fact Site