What are the origins of Easter?

Response

The origins of Easter are unclear. It is commonly believed that the term Easter is derived from a pagan deity named Eastre (or Eostre) who was revered as the goddess of spring by the Saxons of Northern Europe. According to this belief, Eastre was the “goddess of the east (where the sun rises),” her symbol was the hare (a symbol of fertility), and a celebration known as Eastre took place during the spring equinox among the Saxons to pay tribute to her. Nevertheless, this explanation of the Easter origin presents significant challenges.

The main issue with linking the beginnings of Easter to the pagan goddess Eastre/Eostre is the absence of concrete evidence proving that such a goddess was ever worshipped by any group, anywhere. The sole reference to Eastre is found in passing within the writings of the Venerable Bede, an eighth-century monk and historian. Bede mentioned, “Eosturmonath has a name which is now translated as ‘Paschal month,’ and which was once named after a goddess of theirs called Eostre, in whose honor festivities were held during that month. Presently, they refer to the Paschal period by her name, associating the delights of the new ritual with the long-standing name of the former practice” (De Temporum Ratione). That is the extent of it. Eostre does not appear in any other ancient texts; no shrines, no altars, no evidence of Eastre worship has been discovered. It is plausible that Bede simply inferred the goddess’s name from the month’s name.

In the nineteenth century, the German folklorist Jakob Grimm delved into the roots of the German term for Easter, Ostern, which in Old High German was Ostarâ. Both terms are linked to the German word for “east,” ost. Grimm, although unable to establish a solid connection between Easter and pagan cCelebrations, assumed that Ostara was likely the name of a German goddess. Like Eastre, the goddess Ostara was entirely based on supposition and conjecture; before Grimm’s Deutsche Mythologie (1835), there was no mention of the goddess in any writings.

So, while the word Easter most likely comes from an old word for “east” or the name of a springtime month, we don’t have much evidence to suggest anything more. Assertions that Easter is pagan or that Christians have appropriated a goddess-holiday are untenable. Today, however, it seems that Easter might indeed have pagan origins, as it has been almost entirely commercialized—the world’s focus is on Easter eggs, Easter candy, and the Easter bunny.

Christians celebrate Easter as the resurrection of Christ on the third day after His crucifixion. It is the oldest Christian holiday and the most important day of the church year because of the significance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the events upon which Christianity is based «and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. », (1 Corinthians 15:14). In some Christian traditions, Easter Sunday is preceded by the season of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentance culminating in Holy Week and followed by a 50-day Easter season that stretches from Easter to Pentecost.

Due to the commercialization and potential pagan origins of Easter, many churches prefer to refer to it as “Resurrection Sunday.” The rationale is that the more we focus on Christ and His work on our behalf, the better. Paul says that without the resurrection of Christ, our faith is futile «and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. », (1 Corinthians 15:17). What a more wonderful reason could we have to celebrate! Whether we callIt is called “Easter” or “Resurrection Sunday,” but what truly matters is the purpose behind our celebration, which is the fact that Christ is alive. This truth enables us to attain eternal life. Therefore, we are buried with Him through baptism into death so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)!

The question of whether to celebrate Easter or permit our children to engage in Easter egg hunts is a dilemma that both parents and church leaders face. Ultimately, it boils down to a matter of conscience. One person regards one day above another, while another considers every day alike. Each individual should be fully convinced in their own mind (Romans 14:5). There is nothing inherently wrong with painting and hiding eggs for children to find. The crucial aspect is where our focus lies. If our focus is on Christ, we can teach our children that the eggs are simply part of a fun game. It is essential for children to grasp the true significance of the day, and it is the responsibility of parents and the church to impart this understanding. Ultimately, the decision to partake in Easter egg hunts and other secular customs should be left to the discretion of parents.