The Story Behind Easter - What It's Really About

There's a whole lot more to Easter than just colored eggs and chocolate bunnies. Sure, you know Easter's a religious holiday for people all over the world - but do you really know how the day's traditions came about?

Easter's Pagan Origins - Where the Bunnies Came From

Centuries ago, Pagan religions would hold a celebration every year, after the Spring Equinox - or, when the sun would pass directly over the equator. To Pagans, the Spring Equinox represented the end of winter and the beginning of new life.

Many of these Pagan rituals still live on today. In fact, it was during these celebrations bunnies were first introduced. That's because part of the celebration revolved around Eostre - a goddess who's symbol is the rabbit. Pagans were especially captivated by Eostre during their spring celebration because bunnies are extremely fertile in the spring. To Pagans, bunnies were clear examples of new life popping up.

If you love the Easter Bunny, you can thank Eostre and the Pagans for creating the concept!

Easter's Christian Roots

For millions of Christians around the world, Easter has even more serious roots. That's because it's a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On Good Friday Jesus was put to death. However, two days later - on Easter Sunday - Jesus rose from the dead. This resurrection is the basis for most Christian beliefs and it's considered one of the most important events in history.

To Christians, Easter Sunday is an incredibly important day - even though it's celebrated on different Sundays every year.

So, how's Easter's date calculated every year?

It's done using the lunisolar calendar - which takes into account the phase of the moon and the time in the solar year. While the specific day changes from year to year, Easter is always celebrated between March 22nd and April 25th.

Easter's Roots in Other Religions

While Easter is a Christian holiday, people of other faiths have removed the religious element and use the day to celebrate the beginning of spring. That's why you'll see non-Christians taking part in Easter traditions - like Easter egg hunts and chocolate bunnies.

So, What's Easter Really About?

The answer to this question depends on your personal values and religious beliefs. If you come from a Christian or Pagan background, then Easter has specific meaning to you.

However, the beauty of Easter is that it means so many things to different people - so it can be celebrated by people of all faiths, all over the world.


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Tony Mase is a serious student of the works of Wallace D. Wattles and the publisher of the "A Powerful Life: The Lost Writings of Wallace D. Wattles" ebook that includes "A New Christ" by Wallace D. Wattles along with twenty-four other rare books and articles by Wallace D. Wattles. Grab your copy now at: http://www.wallacedwattles.com