Well, it turns out Easter actually began as a pagan festival celebrating spring in the Northern Hemisphere, long before the advent of Christianity. Following the advent of Christianity, the Easter period became associated with the resurrection of Christ.

What pagan holiday is Easter based on?

goddess Eostre Despite its significance as a Christian holy day, many of the traditions and symbols that play a key role in Easter observances actually have roots in pagan celebrations—particularly the pagan goddess Eostre—and in the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Where did Easter originate from?

The naming of the celebration as Easter seems to go back to the name of a pre-Christian goddess in England, Eostre, who was celebrated at beginning of spring. The only reference to this goddess comes from the writings of the Venerable Bede, a British monk who lived in the late seventh and early eighth century.

Do Pagans celebrate Easter?

Easter is essentially a pagan festival which is celebrated with cards, gifts and novelty Easter products, because its fun and the ancient symbolism still works.

What did pagans do on Easter?

Easter first started out as a celebration of the Spring Equinox: a time when all of nature is awakened from the slumber of winter and the cycle of renewal begins. Anglo-Saxon pagans celebrated this time of rebirth by invoking Ēostre or Ostara, the goddess of spring, the dawn, and fertility.

Who is ostara goddess?

Essentially, the tale is that Ostara, the ancient Germanic goddess of the spring, transformed a bird into a hare, and the hare responded by laying colored eggs for her festival. Some online sources, such as Goddess Gift, claim this story is very old indeed.

What is the truth about Easter?

Easter eggs started in ancient Persia, where they were used as a symbol of ongoing struggle between good and evil. Christians eventually used the Easter egg as a symbol of life coming forth from an empty tomb.

What does Bible say about Easter?

1 Peter 1:3: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:21: For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.

Why Easter is pagan?

But in English-speaking countries, and in Germany, Easter takes its name from a pagan goddess from Anglo-Saxon England who was described in a book by the eighth-century English monk Bede. Eostre was a goddess of spring or renewal and thats why her feast is attached to the vernal equinox, Professor Cusack said.

What does Ostara mean?

Eostre/Ostara, the Celtic goddess of Spring was celebrated in festivities and dancing around and through the birch tree between the Spring Equinox and Beltane.

What is a good Easter blessing?

May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year bring peace and happiness to you and those you hold most dear. And may Christ, Our Risen Savior, always be there by your side to bless you most abundantly and be your loving guide. Lord we lift our hearts to you.

Is it OK to say Happy Easter?

Yes you can. Easter is a celebration so the word happy is appropriate.

Why do we celebrate Easter with eggs?

Easter Eggs The egg, an ancient symbol of new life, has been associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus emergence from the tomb and resurrection.