Pagan History of Easter |
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Since ages both Christians and Pagans have celebrated the theme of death and resurrection themes following the Spring Equinox. Most religious historians believe that the celebrations of Easter have many customs and legends that are derived from earlier Pagan celebrations. The ancient Saxons celebrated the Vernal Equinox as the victory of spring over winter. |
After a long dark winter of darkness, the season of spring ushers in the light and the longer days of sun. According to the Christian belief Resurrection of Jesus is associated with rebirth and renewal – the very essence of spring!!! So, settle in and read the Pagan History of Easter to get an account of the pre-Christian traditions associated with Easter.
Easter celebrations have their origins much earlier on in history than Christianity. When we unpack the pagan traditions associated with Easter we come across many pagan gods and goddesses whose own death and rebirth symbolized the death and rebirth of life during the season of spring. Many pagan religions had gods who were depicted as dying and being reborn. The most popular being the Teutonic goddess of spring. There are many legends associated with the true source of the name of this springtime festival. However the most accepted one is the derivation proposed by the 8th-century English scholar St. Bede who believed that the name Easter is derived from Eastre, or Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of spring and dawn to whom the month of April, called Eostur-monath, was dedicated. The festival of Eostre was celebrated on the day of the Vernal Equinox (spring). This festival, however, took place at the same time of the year, as the Christian observance of the Resurrection of Christ. As Christianity slowly became popular all across Europe, this honoring festival became a religious Christian celebration, but kept a similar name, spelled Easter.
Dgreetings gives us an account of Pagan History of Easter.
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