“The origin of Easter, a holiday associated with the observance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is actually based on an ancient pagan celebration. Christians recognize this day as commemorating the culminating event of their faith, but like so many other ‘Christian’ holidays, Easter has become commercialized and mixed with non-christian traditions like the Easter Bunny, Easter parades and hunting for Easter eggs. How did this happen?”
When I was younger that thought never crossed my mind. Like many other young kids, when Easter came around I got all dressed up in a clean new “Easter outfit,” went to church, then came home for a great feast. During my teenage years I embraced the religious history of the holiday and understood it as a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I noticed that many churches and Christians referred to the day as “Resurrection Sunday” instead of “Easter Sunday,” however everyone I knew still celebrated the more commercial aspects of the day, like Easter egg hunts for their children and brand new bright pastel outfits.
Then one spring day in college when I was working at a bookstore, a co-worker of mine told me that she didn’t celebrate Easter at all. Her explanation: “Because it’s a pagan holiday.” She pretty much left it at that without any additional explanation. At the time I didn’t fully understand her point of view or what she meant, but over the years I have read various opinions, Biblical interpretations, and listened to many Easter sermons on the topic. The History Channel gives a pretty fair description of both the pagan and Christian Origins of Easter. After a quick google search I found many extreme opinions on how Easter is a pagan holiday that “crept into the church.” But in my mind the answer to the question, “what does the Easter bunny have to do with Jesus?” is simple- nothing. I actually do think that Easter is a pagan holiday, but I don’t let the commercialism of bunnies, eggs and parades distract me from the true meaning and symbolism behind Resurrection Sunday- the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago.
Fredric
lol, i had to lookup the word ‘pagan’ just to make sure i was thinking of the right thing.
pagan: person who does not acknowledge your god
on that premise, i’d have to say that this opinion, along with they relationship of santa claus and christmas, is somewhat deep, probably because i never thought about it before either.
the assumption is that those who created ‘easter’ and ‘the easter bunny’ use symbols for others to enjoy the day who may not believe in the resurrection of Jesus.
maybe it’s because the word ‘pagan’ has this edge to it in my brain, but i realize that this is definitely possible.
the christian roots of the world are very deep and the fact that the u.k. has bank holidays for good friday and easter monday reflect that. with the plethora of views in the world, especially those who may not share the existence of a higher power, the easter bunny could indeed be a pagan symbol.
April 5, 2007 at 9:39 am
Paula Mooney
Yeah, I’ve read that the whole egg thing came into play because they were celebrating some false god of fertility.
Anyhoo, I know what I’m celebrating: The fact that my Savior Jesus took so much pain and humiliation for me, was tortured, died and came back to life.
Glory to God in the highest!
April 6, 2007 at 9:44 am
Ms. Cherry
What’s really sad is that most don’t even know or understand what the whole easter bunny and the eggs thing is all about (shucks, I barely understand it all but I seek to) but participate every year. I don’t believe in the easter egg bunny and though I allowed my son to participate, sometimes, I made sure his focus was more on JC than the eggs and candy. There is nothing essentially evil about painting and hiding eggs and having children search for them. What is important is our focus. If our focus is on Christ and not the eggs, our children will understand that the eggs are just a game. Children can participate in an Easter egg hunt as long as the true meaning of the day is explained and emphasized, but ultimately this must be left up to the discretion of parents.
April 6, 2007 at 7:58 pm
sarah
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April 6, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Kimberly Michelle
You’re right, Paula and Ms. Cherry, and that’s exactly the inner conflict I see myself having with my future children. I don’t want them to be left out of the ‘fun part’ of Easter but I definitely want them to learn and focus on Jesus Christ as the reason for the celebrations. My fear is that, even when they stop “believing” in the Easter Bunny (or Santa Claus) they still may not understand the connection and may still expect presents and candy. So perhaps the key is to teach them from day one in order to lessen the confusion.
April 7, 2007 at 5:59 am
YBP Guide — weekly roundup: 4/7
[...] What does the Easter Bunny have to do with Jesus? [...]
April 7, 2007 at 7:35 am
Dame
I will admit that i had no idea where the whole easter bunny thing came from in relation to easter. But while i was in church today, my pastor spoke about the same thing as this article. About how so many kids and adults are confusing the two. Thinking Easter is all about bunnies and colored candy. I for one have to say i had a small awakening this weekend. Thanks..
April 8, 2007 at 5:07 pm
omi
well….so’s christmas, to a degree.
i’m not christian, but i’ve noticed the “resurrection sunday” change over the years and–already understanding why holidays like easter & xmas are when they are–thought, “oh wow. someone finally made a connection.” publicly, anyway.
peace
April 13, 2007 at 10:41 am
Ainsiti
Here is a website that will give you lots of information about holidays that are celebrated in modern times by Christianity.
Eggs and Rabbits have one thing in common: fertility. Easter falls around the equinox. Many religions based on agriculture-dependent societies celebrated events in the year relating to the production, planting, growth and harvest of crops.
The website is pagan-based, but you can use the info there to do further research if you like. Knowledge is power!
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usid&c=holidays&id=9232
Have a Blessed Day!
~Ain Siti
November 22, 2007 at 12:28 am
wc
Are you sure that Jesus/Yeshua was resuurected on “Sunday”?
March 31, 2009 at 8:45 am
Dave
Actually yes. The Bible tells us that on the day before the Jewish Sabbath is when Jesus died on the Cross. We know this because Joseph (a Pharisee) asked Pilot for Jesus' body and only had a few hours until the Sabbath started. (In those days the Sabbath started on 6:00 PM Friday and lasted until 6:00 PM Saturday). So Friday was day 1, Saturday was day 2, then Sunday was day 3, (rose on the third day).
April 6, 2009 at 11:10 am