This idea is entirely grishnash's, but since he doesn't blog anymore he gave me permission to post it.

Purim just ended in my time zone (and walledness). This year Purim corresponded with Maundy Thursday (which commemorates the Last Supper and the giving of communion) and Good Friday (which commemorates the crucifixion).

Jesus died during Passover of course, and Easter is modeled on that Jewish holiday (in fact many languages don't even distinguish the two). So the Church went to great lengths to create a system whereby Easter (most of whose observers follow the Gregorian or Julian calendar) occurs at, or near the same time as Passover (whose date is determined based on the Jewish calendar). This system is very complicated, and has its share of bugs. This year Easter well before Passover, and lines up with Purim instead.

Given how much the timing of Jesus' death influenced Christianity, it's interesting to imagine how different things would have been if the "first Easter" had also fallen on Purim.

Discuss.

NOTE: Although I do allude to the Eastern Orthodox Church's use of the Julian calendar above, I did not think to point out that this means they don't have the same problem. Thanks to tungol for calling my attention to this omission.

Today is special for many reasons. It is tanagers' birthday (and for once I list that first!), as well as Albert Einstein's and poor Kirby Pucket's. It's also Pi Day, my favorite unofficial holiday.

By some coincidence, Purim also falls today. And I totally forgot to get drunk last night. I'm such a bad Jew. Well, perhaps I can hop a quick flight out to Jerusalem, and celebrate Shushan Purim tonight.

(Piphilology)