The Monday after Easter, known as Easter Monday, is a holiday because it is part of the extended Easter celebration known as the Octave of Easter, which lasts eight days starting from Easter Sunday. Easter Monday specifically commemorates the biblical event when women visited Jesus' tomb and found it empty, greeted by an angel who announced Jesus' resurrection. This day is sometimes called "Angel Monday" or "Little Easter" and serves to extend the joy of Easter Sunday. Historically, Easter Monday was part of a full week of public holidays known as the Easter Octave, a tradition that dates back to early Christianity. Although the full week of holidays was later reduced, Easter Monday remained a public holiday in many countries. It is observed as a day of rest, family gatherings, and religious reflection in many Christian cultures worldwide. In summary, Easter Monday is a holiday because it extends the celebration of Jesus' resurrection and commemorates the angelic announcement of that event to the women at the tomb, continuing the religious and cultural observances of Easter.
