As we step fully into the rhythms of spring—when the world comes alive again, and we see the promise of renewal—many of us are reminded that this season offers us more than just beautiful flowers and longer days. It calls us into deeper reflection, especially for those of us who walk by faith. This is especially poignant during Holy Week.

Yet, there’s an ongoing debate about the origins of Easter, with some arguing that the holiday was not originally established to celebrate religious events but instead has roots in idolatry of ancient pagan traditions, particularly those from Babylonian or European cultures. This question often arises due to the symbols and rituals associated with Easter, such as eggs, rabbits, and the changing dates.

The term “idolatry” is often used to describe the veneration of objects or figures that represent deities, which in some cultures, was part of religious practices. Idolatry, in its broadest sense, refers to excessive devotion to something—whether a person, an object, or an idea—that overshadows or replaces what a culture might view as the source of truth or higher meaning. In modern contexts, we might interpret this as the idolization of self, consumerism, or other desires that consume individuals.

However, the question remains: is Easter linked to ancient pagan rituals, or has it evolved independently as a cultural celebration?

Origins of the Name “Easter”

The connection between Easter and the pagan goddess “Eastre” (or “Oestre”), sometimes cited as the goddess of spring, fertility, and rebirth, has been a widely discussed topic. According to some sources, the name “Easter” is derived from a pre-Christian Anglo-Saxon goddess, Eastre, whose symbol was the hare, associated with fertility. This theory was popularized by the Venerable Bede, an 8th-century historian who mentioned a feast held in honor of Eastre during the spring equinox.

However, there is little archaeological or historical evidence to support the widespread worship of such a goddess. Scholars agree that much of what is said about Eastre or Oostra may be speculative. The first written mention of Eastre comes from Bede, and it’s important to note that even he didn’t claim any clear connection to religious practices beyond naming a month after the goddess.

Moreover, other sources, such as German folklorist Jakob Grimm, suggested a link between the name of Easter and the Germanic word “Ostern” (meaning “east”), a term likely associated with the direction of the sunrise. While this is often associated with pagan traditions, it’s still difficult to prove a direct connection to any specific ritual or belief system.

Symbolism of Easter

Easter symbols such as eggs, rabbits, and springtime motifs are often linked to fertility and renewal, which are common themes in both pagan and later Christian symbolism. The egg, in many ancient cultures, was a symbol of life and rebirth. Early Christians adopted this symbol to represent the resurrection of Christ, and over time, it evolved into the tradition of decorating eggs, which became popular in medieval Europe.

Similarly, the rabbit, associated with fertility due to its rapid reproduction, became a central figure in modern Easter celebrations, especially in Western cultures. These traditions, however, are less about any specific religious belief and more about cultural symbolism that connects with themes of renewal, life, and nature’s cycles.

Easter and Spring Festivals

Throughout history, various cultures have held springtime festivals to mark the arrival of the vernal equinox. For instance, the Babylonian festival of Ishtar, the Roman celebration of Fortuna, and the Greek festivals in honor of Artemis or Diana all took place around the same time of year as Easter. These festivals often involved themes of fertility, growth, and the rejuvenation of nature.

However, while these festivals shared timing with the Christian celebration of Easter, the mere coincidence of dates doesn’t necessarily mean that one holiday was “borrowed” from another. It’s more likely that, like many holidays, Easter was shaped by the existing cultural and agricultural rhythms of the time, which included the natural celebration of spring.

The Etymology of Easter

The shifting date of Easter—often celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox—has been an area of confusion. Some have linked this to ancient lunar worship, but the Christian determination of the date for Easter was established at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., based on the timing of the Jewish Passover.

Interestingly, the naming of the days of the week also draws from pre-Christian influences. For example, Thursday is named after the Norse god Thor, and Sunday is named after the Sun, both stemming from pagan traditions. Yet, in modern times, these names no longer carry the same associations for most people. This shows how words and traditions can evolve, losing their original meanings while still carrying significance in their present context.

Modern Easter Celebrations

Today, Easter is a holiday that many associate with family gatherings, candy, egg hunts, and festive meals.

A big part of Easter today is indulging in sweets, particularly chocolates and candy. This tradition has deep historical roots. In medieval Europe, Christians were encouraged to abstain from meat and rich foods during the 40-day period of Lent. This time of fasting and penance was seen as a way to prepare spiritually for the joy of Easter. And when Easter Sunday arrived, it marked the end of the fasting period—and the celebration was often centered around indulging in treats. People would feast on sweets as a way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. This tradition of Easter candy continues today as a symbol of both celebration and renewal, a sweet reflection of the joy that comes with the resurrection.

The commercial elements of Easter, such as Easter candy, egg hunts, and the Easter bunny, have deep roots in various cultural traditions that span both pre-Christian and Christian influences. These practices often focus on the themes of fertility, growth, and new beginnings, which align with the natural cycle of the seasons.

Conclusion: Easter in the Modern World

Is Easter a pagan holiday? In a sense, it carries elements from various cultural traditions, some of which date back to pre-Christian times. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a “pagan” holiday in the strictest sense. Just as the names of the days of the week have evolved and become disconnected from their pagan origins, Easter, too, has evolved into something far more complex than its ancient roots. It is both a celebration of nature’s rebirth and a day of cultural significance, irrespective of its potential connections to ancient rituals.

Ultimately, the meaning of Easter today is shaped by the way people choose to observe it, whether through religious worship, cultural customs, or simply as a time to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Thank you for joining us as we explored the origins of Easter traditions and examined their complex historical and cultural roots.