Paasdag

Paasdag, literally Easter Day, is the Dutch term for Easter Sunday. It is a Christian feast day that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is observed on the Sunday following Good Friday. The date varies each year because it is determined by the ecclesiastical computus: Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, the full moon that occurs on or after March 21. Consequently, Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, Paasdag is widely celebrated with religious services, family meals, and various customs. Common traditions include decorating and giving Easter eggs, egg hunts for children, and the exchange of chocolates. Many people also attend church services to mark the occasion. The day is frequently followed by Tweede Paasdag (Second Easter Day), the Monday after Easter, which is a public holiday in both countries and often used for family visits or short trips.

While the religious significance remains central for many adherents, secular traditions are also prominent and contribute to a festive atmosphere in springtime. Paasdag is part of the broader Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. The Dutch term Paasdag is specific to the Dutch-speaking world, while other languages have their own equivalents for Easter Sunday.