What Are The Origins and History of Easter?
Are the origins of Easter pagan? If so, why do Christians celebrate this day while others don’t? The Word Easter The Old English word Easter originates from the word “Ēastrun” and also “Ēastru” which comes from a pagan image called “Eastre” who is the mythological goddess of spring celebrated by Northern European Saxons. This celebration was to honor her and was always held during the spring equinox. Some of the associated symbols used today are steeped in paganism. The bunny represents fertility while the eggs picture a period of new birth. Today, Easter is completely commercialized over much of the world by celebrating with painted Easter eggs and the Easter bunny, neither of which has any connection with Christianity. In some Christian circles, this celebration is often called Pascha and is connected to the Hebrew “Pesach” and is related to the word Passover which commemorates the Exodus of Israel and the Passover feast. The timing of t...