Posted by The fact of the matter is no one knows for sure, but it’s commonly believed that the name comes from Bede, a late-seventh-century historian and scholar from Anglo-Saxon England. He says Easter’s name comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, associated with spring and fertility.
The Easter Bunny comes from these pagan custom of spring as well, but more from pagan Germany than pagan Britain. Eighteenth-century German settlers brought “Oschter Haws” to America, where Pennsylvania Dutch settlers prepared nests for him in the garden or barn. On Easter Eve, the rabbit laid his colored eggs in the nests in payment. In Germany, old Oschter lays red eggs on Maundy Thursday. You have to wonder, why a rabbit and why eggs? Hasn’t anyone ever heard that rabbits don’t lay eggs?
Nevertheless, in some ancient cultures, eggs were a common symbol of new life. In medieval times, eggs came to represent the Lord’s resurrection. Just as Christ broke out of the tomb on Easter morning, the yolk of the egg breaks out of its shell when cracked. The decoration of eggs for Easter is part of the folk traditions of many cultures, although it has little or no religious significance any more.
Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus, getting its name from the Latin translation of Jesus’ saying that evening, “A new commandment I give to you” Mandatum novum do vobis. It is marked by foot washing and the blessing of the oils. But in various parts of the world, it has other traditions as well. The German word “to mourn” (grun) is very similar to the word for green (grÜn). So in Austria, Hungary, and much of Germany, today is GrÜndonnerstag: is a day to eat spinach and green salad. This is not the only reason for eating greens: Passover is celebrated with karpas (a green vegetable, usually parsley) and bitter herbs.
In old England, men used to shave their beards on Maundy Thursday, as this was a time to cleanse the body as well as the soul to prepare for Easter.
Friday, of course, is Good Friday. It used to be that Good Friday was observed even more than Easter, but for a while Protestants ignored it. On one Good Friday, a nineteenth-century missionary to Bermuda had difficulty explaining the ascension of Jesus, so he launched a kite with an image of Jesus on it and cut the string. Kite-flying is now a Bermuda Good Friday tradition.
Another Bermuda fact: it’s where Easter lilies came from. They were brought to America from the island in the 1880s. They’re now associated with Easter because it grows from a bulb that is “buried” and “reborn.” So this Easter, consider the lilies. And what they represent.
Although the history of “why Easter” is interesting, for Christians it’s much bigger than trying to understand where the Easter bunny came from or why kite-flying is prevalent on Bermuda Good Friday. Easter is a good time to give your children a greater appreciation and understanding of the real meaning of this important day. Easter is about Christ’s mission; His life, death and resurrection.
Jesus Christ’s death on the cross was for you and me. He took our place. We no longer need to make animal sacrifices because Jesus became that perfect sacrifice — one time for everyone!
Romans 5:10 tells us that because of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection three days later, we can be friends with God. The Bible also says our sins are completely forgiven because God came down in the flesh and died for our sins and because of that, we will live with Him forever.
This is a lot better news than a few chocolates in a pretty basket or a rabbit laying a few eggs. This is the greatest news in the world! Christ Lives!
Beth Baus is a Marriage and Family Therapist and has a private practice in Riverside, CA. She teaches for Apostolic School of Theology / Hope International University. Sis Baus attends Inland Lighthouse Church pastored by Rev. Larry Booker. To visit her website go to www.ourhealthyfamilies.org.
