Guide Note: Easter History explores the origins of the spring holiday easter. Named for the West Germanic moon goddess Eostre, Easter's pagan roots celebrated the vernal equinox and the coming of spring. Eostre was acknowledged in the form of the hare, which is why today the Easter Bunny is a popular symbol for the holiday. Christianity took the holiday on as one of its own, changing the significance to represent the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. In the early fourth century A.D., Christianity also changed the date of Easter so it fell on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox.
Fast Facts:
- Named for the goddess Eostre
- Hare/Bunny was attributed to Eostre
- Originally celebrated the Vernal Equinox
- Linked to the Jewish Passover
- Considered a Moveable Feast
- Also called Pascha
Easter History
- History.com: The History of Easter
- The Holiday Spot: History of Easter
- Kelly and Cindy's Place: The History of the Easter Egg
- Religious Tolerance: Origins, meanings and practices of Easter
- Pastry Wiz: History of Easter
- House Rabbit Society: Rabbit on the Moon: A Short History of Easter
Easter History Blogs and Commentaries
- Google Blogs: Easter History
- ZOCALO de Mexican Folk Art Blog Post: Judas Burnings, Celebrating Easter with a Wink (March 18, 2008)
- Forward-and-Share Blog Post: Easter History and Traditions (March 15, 2008)
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