Why is Easter called Easter and why do we celebrate it?
EASTER is nowadays associated with chocolate eggs, bunnies and hot cross buns.
But what is the meaning of Easter and where did the name originate from? Here's everything you need to know.
Why is Easter called Easter?
The Christian celebration is named after the Germanic goddess of springtime, Ostara - commonly referred to as Eostre or Eastre.
The goddess lent her name to the month of Easter almost two thousand years ago.
Pagan Anglo-Saxons held feasts and celebrations in Eastre’s name before the 8th century, by which time the tradition had died out and been replaced by the Christian Paschal month, that we still follow today.
However, the month had always been called Eosturmonath in Old English, referring to Eastre and her power to prompt the arrival of spring.
And even though Christians had begun affirming the Christian meaning of the celebration, they continued to use the name of the goddess to designate the season.
But Eastre's symbol was the bunny or hare, which later became the symbol of the Christian Easter.
What is Easter?
Easter is a Christian tradition that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and marks the end of Lent.
Those who follow the Bible believe that Christ was crucified at Calvary on Good Friday.
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According to the New Testament of the Bible, Easter occurs three days after the crucifixion of Jesus by the Romans.
Three days after Christ was nailed to the cross Mary Magdalene, followed by some of Jesus’ disciples, discovered Jesus’ body had disappeared from the tomb leaving just cloths behind.
The Bible says when the stone covering the entrance to the tomb was moved, Jesus' corpse was nowhere to be found and onlookers discovered he had risen.
Christians believe the Son of God was resurrected on this day, which has become known as Easter Sunday.
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Why do we celebrate Easter?
Easter Sunday is one of the most festive events among Christians worldwide.
It commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection from death, as written in the Christian bible.
Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus' resurrection from death.