The History and Observances of Easter

The History and Observances of Easter

Every year, Christians worldwide celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during the Easter season. Contrary to popular belief, however, the celebration of the Easter holiday is not of Christian origin.

The name 'Easter' is derived from the name of the Saxon goddess of Spring, Eastre. According to Pagan beliefs, Eastre's sphere of influence is fertility and renewal. Each year at the Vernal Equinox, a great festival was held to celebrate the coming growing season and the continued fertility of the Earth.

Jews have also celebrated their own springtime festival, Passover, around this time as well. Passover commemorates the end of the Israelite's captivity in Egypt. It is called Passover because when the Angel of Death came for Egypt's first born sons, the Israelites who had lamb's blood on the door were passed over and spared.

Because of the state supported persecution of early Christians, many Christian feasts were celebrated about the same time as Pagan holidays. Easter is no different. While the religious meanings of the different festivals are different, symbols like the egg, rabbit, and the cross are shared.

The egg has always been a symbol of new life and springtime renewal. Children across pre-Christian Europe were given decorated eggs as a symbol of the renewal of springtime. In modern times, children decorate and hide eggs.

The rabbit was the symbol of the goddess Eastre in Pagan Saxony. During the early American period, German settlers brought with them the connection between the Easter holiday and a rabbit. Today, Children believe in the Easter Bunny, who brings candy and gifts on Easter Sunday.

One of the central Christian symbols is the cross. It symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ, but in Pagan Rome, it was a symbol of Roman punishment. Crucifixion was always a favorite method of execution in Roman times, but after the death of Jesus, it became a rallying symbol for early Christians.

The Easter holiday is very old indeed, and it's meaning and symbols have evolved over time. Whether Pagan or Christian, symbols add to the meaning of the holiday, but do not change it.

Marcia Chumbley is a work at home mom and grandmother in Minnesota. She is the owner of a Christian Work From Home Moms website at Faithful Grannies http://www.faithfulgrannies.com bringing generations of Christian Work From Home Moms, Grandmothers, Parents, Boomers and Families together while providing resources, inspiration and affordable advertising while balancing the work at home experience. She holds a degree in Business and is a CMOM.

Article Source: Christian Work At Home Grandparents - CWAHGrandparents.com