What is the orgin of Easter and its customs?

Question

Curious what does a rabbit laying colored eggs have to do with Jeus raising from the dead? Easter Baskets?

Answer 1

Easter's origins date back to Pagan times,and was a celebration of spring and worship of the Goddess Eostre.It coincides with the Pagan holiday Ostara, or Spring(vernal) Equinox.The rabbit and egg were used as symbols for the rabbits fecundity and the egg representing new life, or birth.It was a celebration for a fruitful harvest.The Germans were the first to start painting eggs, and the Romans thought it was a cool thing, so they kept the tradition around.***Just thought I'd let you know that the answerer below me has a response that is completely inaccurate.The present Easter tradition had absolutely nothing to do with Old Testament origins.The Christian version of the holiday came about in honor of Jesus returning from the dead.Jesus is strictly New Testament.The Church, as it grew, incorporated Pagan traditions in it's repertoire to make converting people easier.***

Answer 2

Easter eggs are a symbol of life. The white shell shows purity and eternity. Easter baskets are for holding Easter eggs. Giving presents on Easter is a way of celebrating the ressurection of Christ who gives us the gift of Eternal Life.

Easter is only called Easter in English speaking countries, in other countries it is generally called something like Resurrection Sunday. Thus, the celebration itself cannot be traced back to "Ishtar" as it wasn't called Easter until much later.

Easter is celebrated on the Sunday after Passover because the Bible tells us that this is when Jesus rose from the dead. Thus, it is only a coincidence that it coincides with Pagan holidays.

Answer 3

It's a Pagan Holiday. Just like Christmas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter#Etymology_and_allegations_of_Pagan_origins_of_Easter_traditions

- 16 yo Pagan

Answer 4

Eggs are fertility symbols and Easter was originally a celebration of the Spring Equinox, a holiday celebrated by Pagans.
The following link can provide you wi th some basic info.
http://thunder.prohosting.com/~cbarstow/ostara.html

Blessings )O(

Answer 5

As others have pointed out, Easter is 100% pagan BS. Check this out... http://community.livejournal.com/bah_hum_blog/tag/Easter#bah_hum_blog8705

Answer 6

Easter, like all of the other "christian" holidays, was a pagan celebration.
It was called "Ostarra" and was the celebration of re-birth and renewal. Small wonder the christian myth was adapted to fit in with this. But the pin-heads out there will actually think it was a christian holiday all along. I really pity them...

Answer 7

rejoiceinthelord answered this correctly.....Very well in fact so that I did not post my answer...Good Job rejoiceinthelord!
The only thing to add is that the egg and rabbit are VERY VERY strong signs/symbols of fertility. Thus connected to the Spring and to the celebration of the Goddess of sex.

Answer 8

try ishtar(easter or ester as todays name). she is the ancient egyptian goddess who came in an egg from the moon. or she gave birth to her son through an egg from the moon. i always mix that up

Answer 9

Christianity

Answer 10

Ya know, I WAS going to add my 2 cents in but Ophelia beat me to it.She has the correct answer.