Many people throughout the ages have celebrated Easter. While nowadays Easter is associated with chocolates, bunnies, and chicks hatching out of eggs, this holiday has many deeply historical and cultural roots. Although many people think that Easter is based solely in Christian beliefs, it also has roots pre-dating this that relate back to Anglo- Saxon pagan traditions. St. Bede the Venerable, a Catholic monk from the eighth century, is the primary source of information for all knowledge of Easter’s pagan traditions. According to St. Bede, the rudimentary Easter celebrations were centered around a goddess named Eostre, who was often regarded as the goddess of spring and fertility. During this time period, people held festivals during the month of Eosturmonath (April).
However, the largest base of all celebrations of Easter is found in Christian, mainly Catholic, traditions. For Christians, Easter is more than merely a time to savor chocolates and welcome in the good weather. It is, instead, an opportunity to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ after His Death, which is central to Christian doctrine. The Resurrection is the event where Jesus, after having died, rose from the dead after three days. Several of his followers went to the tomb and found no body with the stone of his grave rolled back, and two men in dazzling clothing saying that He had risen. This event, Christians believe, allows for the salvation of all peoples by giving them the opportunity to have eternal life; it triumphs over sin, death, and evil. To prepare for this, Christians often hold the 40 day season of Lent for spiritual growth and preparation. This season helps make Easter even more special for Christians and allows for significant celebration, as it is traditional to fast from something during this time.
In today’s time, Easter is still often celebrated during April (or sometimes late March), and ties in both the pagan and Christian elements of it. There are many common ways to celebrate this holiday including eating large meals with ham and eggs, painting and decorating Easter eggs, enjoying Easter baskets, and going on Easter egg hunts. Many families get together to celebrate this holiday, and some make sure to go to church to partake in the Christian elements of it. No matter who you are, this holiday has a deeply rooted element that can appeal to you. Happy Easter everyone!
Edited by: Mathias Munoz Gonzalez and Harrison Davies
The History Of Easter – News – Vermilion Ohio
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