Easter and 4/20 Align This Year: A Unique Coincidence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This year, Sunday, April 20, marks a rare overlap of two widely recognized events: Easter Sunday and 4/20, the unofficial holiday celebrated by marijuana enthusiasts around the world. While these occasions are not inherently related, many individuals will simultaneously participate in both festivities.

The confluence of these dates has sparked interest, with many looking back to previous occurrences and contemplating when it will next align. Since 2000, there have been several instances of 4/20 coinciding with Easter, the most recent being this year. The next alignment will occur in 2087.

The origins of 4/20 as a day to celebrate cannabis remain somewhat unclear, shrouded in various theories. One popular explanation centers around the code “420,” which police allegedly used to indicate marijuana-related offenses. Additionally, some suggest the day’s significance relates to Bob Dylan’s song ‘Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,’ where the multiplication of 12 and 35 yields 420.

However, the most widely accepted narrative involves a group of California high school students in the 1970s. Legend has it that one student’s brother grew marijuana in a secluded area near their school, prompting the group to develop a code. They would meet at 4:20 p.m. to search for this stash, ultimately popularizing the term ‘420’ among their peers and later, in counterculture circles.

According to those in the know, this story helped the term resonate with fans of the Grateful Dead, a band often associated with cannabis use. It is worth noting that there is some confusion surrounding the late reggae icon Bob Marley, who, contrary to popular belief, was not born or deceased on April 20.

Despite the void of a direct connection between the two events, devotees from both faith and marijuana cultures may find ways to celebrate on this coincidental day.

Greta Cross, a national trending reporter at USA TODAY, contributed to this article. For further inquiries or story ideas, you can reach her via email.