Easter, where and how did it originate, and why do we celebrate it today?

Almost all holidays have their roots in Christianity, and certainly Easter is no different.

Easter started as a pagan festival in the early ages, and was changed to a religious holiday in the second century.

When the second century Christian missionaries encountered these Saxons, and their pagan celebrations, they attempted to convert them to Christianity, but in a Clandestine manner, while spreading their message, they allowed them to continue their pagan customs.

The pagan festival of Eastre occurred at the same time each year, as the resurrection of Christ, and the name Eastre, was eventually changed to Easter.

Easter is celebrated on Sunday, after full moon, and between March 22nd, and April 25th, which is also after the 1st day of spring.

The cross is not only a symbol of crucifixion, but also of Christianity, and in A.D. 325 Constantine decreed that the cross was the official symbol of Christianity.

The Easter bunny was worshiped by the Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit, and was brought to America by the Germans.

The exchange of eggs in the spring time, was a pagan custom, that symbolized rebirth.

Although we have all these customs, it is vital that we do not loose sight of the greatest event, that ever took place, and that was the resurrection of our Lord and Saviors, Jesus Christ, without which man would be forever doomed, to an eternity in hell.