Eastern Orthodox Christianity celebrates Easter on a
different day than Western Christianity. Though they use the same method, they use the Julian calendar rather than the widely accepted Gregorian. Orthodox tradition also instructs that Easter must be celebrated after Passover, while Western Christianity has no such requirement. These two factors result in Orthodox Christianity’s Easter typically falling after Western Christianity’s celebration.
Where does the name Easter come from?
There is no definite consensus on the origins of the English name Easter, but there are two prima- ry views. First is the idea that it comes from Eostre, an Anglo-Sax- on goddess of spring and fertility. This view was put forth by Bede the Venerable in the sixth cen- tury, but he seems to be the only ancient historian who made that connection.
Perhaps a more accepted view is that it comes from the Latin
phrase “in albis,” meaning “dawn”. This phrase became Eostarum in Old High German, which was a precursor to the English language. It seems that the word Easter has been in use as long as the English language itself. Other languages, such as the French “Pasques,” use a name relat- ed to Passover.
What about the Easter bunny and Easter eggs? While fun, these traditions do not stem directly
from Christian worship. Both rabbits and eggs have been associated with birth and new life for millenia. The exact origins of the Easter bunny story are unclear, but it may have come to America with German immi- grants in the 1700s.
Easter eggs date
back even farther, with people painting eggs as early as the 13th century. Sup- posedly, eggs used to be a forbidden food during Lent. People would decorate them to celebrate the end of the period of fasting and penitence, then enjoy eating the decorated eggs on Easter. This tradition has morphed in modern day, as many people give up sweets for Lent, which is why you find many sweets and candies in Easter baskets nowadays.
There has also long been a connection between the
new life inside of an egg and Jesus coming out of the grave, with eggs being painted red in memory of Jesus’ sacrificial blood. Whatever the origin may be, it is clear that Easter eggs have been a part of the Easter celebration for over 800 years.
Celebrating with Intention Easter celebrations are deeply steeped in tradition,
most of which are good. Lent, Good Friday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter egg hunts can all be helpful ways to remember Christ’s resurrection. However we celebrate, it is important to do it with a clear intention: to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and celebrate his resurrection from the grave. What event could be more worth celebrating?
Seth Guthrie is the Pastor of Children’s Ministry at Com- munity Bible Church in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Grace University, and has a deep interest in history and tradition. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two young boys and are looking forward to adding another boy to their family in the fall.
Other Fun Facts Pretzels have an historical connection to Easter. They are said to have been created to celebrate the holiday,
with the folds representing hands folded in prayer. In 1878, egg-rolling for kids had already been a long-standing tradition. President Rutherford B. Hayes invited
kids to come to the White House for an egg roll on the lawn, which they had never before been able to enter. It’s been a tradition ever since.
Nearly half of all Americans attend church on Easter Sunday. Good Friday is recognized as a holiday in only 12 states. In the 1800s, wealthy New Yorkers had the superstition that wearing fancy new clothes on Easter would bring good luck
for the rest of the year. Tis started the tradition of wearing your “Easter Best.”
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