Easter is a fun day for kids and parents alike. It is a time to
decorate eggs and gather treats from the Easter Bunny. It is a day for Christians to
celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For the Jewish it is part of a festival to
recognize the miraculous Exodus of Israel from Egypt. To many, this is all there is to
know about Easter, but there is more to the holiday than first meets the eye.
Easter today is a combination of Pagan traditions, the Jewish
celebration of Passover, and Christian beliefs.To understand all that Easter is today, it
is necessary to look into the past. One fact that many find surprising about Easter is
that some of its traditions existed before Christ was born.
Pagan Influence
In the days of the Romans, natural events such as the dormancy of winter and the vitality
of spring held sacred Pagan meaning. These were times when people believed that a
bounteous harvest would only come by sun worship and giving tribute to gods that
controlled the powers of growth and fertility. It was believed that the sun and other
controlling factors of new growth could be influenced and appeased through Pagan
celebrations.
Celebrating Spring
The most widely accepted theory on the origin of the name “Easter” comes from
records of St Bede in the 8th century. He proposed that the name Easter comes from
“Eastre”—the goddess of spring and fertility. Tribute to
“Eastre” was normally made at the time of the vernal equinox (when the length
of the day is about equal to the night). In Pagan myths and practices, Eastre was
appeased by ritualistic symbols of new life. Rabbits became symbols of fertility for
their innate ability to reproduce. Eggs also became symbols of fertility because of their
inherent characteristic of containing new life.
In Greek mythology, Persephone was considered the goddess of spring
growth. According to legend, she would come to earth once a year to replenish the land
with new growth. In spring, her presence symbolized the resurrection of earthly life, and
her absence represented the barrenness of winter.
Jewish Celebration
The Jewish festival of Passover is also associated with Easter. It is a celebration that
lasts for 8 days to commemorate the liberation of Israel from Egypt. This festival
includes traditions that are symbolic of the deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt
including stories and special foods.
Christian Celebration
To Christians Easter is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as recorded
in the Bible. According to passages in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; Jesus arose from
the tomb three days following his crucifixion by the Romans. After the miraculous
resurrection, he appeared to Mary Magdalene and to his apostles; which affirmed their
faith that he was the Son of God.
Roman Christian Influence
Some of the customs that are associated with Easter today are a result of the Roman
transition from Pagan customs to the acceptance of Christianity. Spring festivals that
celebrated the “resurrection” of life on earth were integrated with
Christianity and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the Roman Catholic Church showed
tolerance of other cultures, old customs and beliefs were passed on to future generations
in a new light of Christianity.
Non-religious Celebration
Some of the Pagan symbols have re-emerged in secular celebrations today. The Easter Bunny
and Easter eggs are reminiscent of the Pagan customs, but the connotation of spring
celebration has largely been forgotten. Eggs are frequently decorated on Easter in
paisley “Easter colors.” The fabled Easter bunny makes its visit, hiding eggs
and candy for children to seek out in Easter egg hunts. The ancient symbols remain, but
the meaning has largely evolved into a peculiar event that is based on amusement.
Easter is Fun for Everyone
In modern times, Easter is observed in a variety of ways. For some it is an entirely
religious holiday, void of symbols and secular customs. Others celebrate only the
non-religious traditions of, egg decorating, Easter egg hunts, and candy. Still others
celebrate Easter with both religious and secular traditions. The variety of traditions
and methods of observance, allow Easter to be enjoyed by a broad range of people from
different cultures and beliefs.
 Try our Easter
Treat: A Family Fun Shop Original Recipe
"Lemon Bars" Recipe
A crisp crust, firm filling, and sweetly-sprinkled top make these
Lemon Squares the higlight of easter dinner.
You will like these "Lemon Bars" so much, you may make them a new easter
tradition!
- Article by Wes Fessler
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Sources:
1. Holy Bible, King James Version,
Matthew 28 : 5-7
Mark 16 : 2-14
Luke 24 : 2-51
St John : 20 : 11-29
2. Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, “Easter”
ISBN 0-8343-0051-6, Volume 8, p . 432
3. amazzzingcards.com, “Passover: History and Meaning of
Freedom in Faith”
http://www.amazzzingcards.com/passover.htm [Accessed 16 July 2007]
4. Atsma, Aaron, “Persephone”
http://theoi.com/Khthonios/Persephone.html, [Accessed 16 July 2007]
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