The naming of the celebration as Easter appears to derive from the name of the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility, Eostre or Eostrae. The only reference to this goddess comes from the writings of the Venerable Bede, a British monk who lived in the late seventh and early eighth century.
Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.
Easter is immediately preceded by Holy Week, which includes Maundy Thursday, the commemoration of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples; Good Friday, the day of his crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, the transition between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection
In commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation. Christian tradition holds that the sins of humanity were paid for by the death of Jesus and that his Resurrection represents the anticipation believers can have in their own resurrection
Celebrate with eggs!
The egg, an ancient symbol of new life, has been associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection.
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