Saturday, April 15, 2006

Origins of Easter

The History Channel has an informative and interesting section explaining the origins and history of Easter.

History Channel: The History of Easter

"8th-century English scholar St. Bede, believe it probably comes from Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon name of a Teutonic goddess of Spring and fertility, to whom was dedicated a month corresponding to April.

Her festival was celebrated on the day of the Vernal Equinox; traditions associated with the festival survive in the Easter rabbit, a symbol of fertility, and in colored Easter eggs, originally painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring."

Below: Representations of Eostre & Jesus, dieties symbolizing the revival of Spring.


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