Easter Celebration question

[jzzmusician]

Just curious. Death. Resurrection. Bunny with eggs. How did that happen?

 

[wfooshee]

Treading lightly and staying away from religious views . . . . This is a history question, not a religion question.

Pagan rites of Spring being incorporated into the church's teachings.

Spring for the European pagans was all about fertility, rebirth, new life. Rabbits are well-known to be vehemently reproductive, and eggs are the most basic symbol of rebirth. The baskets were originally nests, and we've since added candies to the eggs in the nest basket.

Same question comes up for Christmas trees. Pagan winter rites kept by converted pagans and incorporated into the Christian church.

Not preaching about this is what you should believe, not being a missionary, just answering the question about what does that have to do with this? As the church grew throughout Europe, folks didn't want to let go of their pre-Christian traditions. So they became Christian traditions. Somehow.

 

[FJRBluesman]

Treading lightly and staying away from religious views . . . . This is a history question, not a religion question.

Pagan rites of Spring being incorporated into the church's teachings.

Spring for the European pagans was all about fertility, rebirth, new life. Rabbits are well-known to be vehemently reproductive, and eggs are the most basic symbol of rebirth. The baskets were originally nests, and we've since added candies to the eggs in the nest basket.

Same question comes up for Christmas trees. Pagan winter rites kept by converted pagans and incorporated into the Christian church.

Not preaching about this is what you should believe, not being a missionary, just answering the question about what does that have to do with this? As the church grew throughout Europe, folks didn't want to let go of their pre-Christian traditions. So they became Christian traditions. Somehow.

Gunny. Good job.
The question is legit. What do you think of this time of year. Whether or not your religious is another matter.

From the Net:

Modern-day Easter is derived from two ancient traditions: one Judeo-Christian and the other Pagan. Both Christians and Pagans have celebrated death and resurrection themes following the Spring Equinox for millennia. Most religious historians believe that many elements of the Christian observance of Easter were derived from earlier Pagan celebrations.

I think if you asked us what we believe it is, will get this thread shut down... maybe.

College kids call it Spring Break.

 

[Tyler]

 

[wfooshee]

That is my all-time favorite Easter cartoon! Has been for a while, but nothing better has come along yet. Love it!

 

[HotRodZilla]

That was a good question and a good answer. I didn't know how Easter ended up with a bunny and eggs either. Holy crap...This forum taught me something!