The History of Easter
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and is Christianity’s most important holiday. The celebration is called a moveable feast because it does not fall on the same date every year like most holidays.
Although it is unknown how the holiday obtained its name, some believe the word Easter is derived form Eostre, a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility. Others trace the name back to the Latin term hebdomada alba, or white week, an ancient reference to the white clothing worn by people who were baptized during Easter week.
A translation error caused the term to emerge as esostarum in Old High German, and then eventually became Easter in English. The Spanish version of the word is Pascua, and French is Paques. The word is directly related to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, which occurred after he went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, Pesach in Hebrew. Passover is the Jewish festival commemorating the ancient Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt.
Easter is actually an entire season in the Christian church, not just a single day. The 40-day Lenten period leading up to Easter Sunday is a time of reflection and penance, and represents the 40 days that Jesus was alone in the wilderness prior to the start of his ministry.
Fat Tuesday occurs the day before Lent begins and is considered that last chance for food and fun before the Lenten fast begins. The week before Easter is Holy Week and includes Maundy Thursday, which honors Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Other special days that week are Good Friday, a day that honors the crucifixion of Jesus, and Holy Saturday, the transition between the crucifixion and resurrection.
After Easter Sunday, a 50-day period called Eastertide celebrates Jesus ascension into heaven. As you can see, Easter is not just one day but a season of celebration, reflection, forgiving and seeking forgiveness, and honoring the life and death of Jesus Christ.
In addition to Easter’s religious significance, in more recent years it has also developed a commercial side, as evidenced by the mounds of jellybeans and marshmallow chicks that appear in stores each spring. As with Christmas, over the centuries various folk customs and pagan traditions, including Easter eggs, bunnies, baskets and candy, have become a standard part of this holy holiday.
