What Does the Bible Say About Easter?

 The Bible's answer

The celebration of Easter is not based on the Bible.  If you look into its history, though, you will see the true meaning of Easter-it is a tradition based on ancient fertility rites.  Consider the following: 

1. Name: The Encyclopedia Britannica says: "The English name Easter is of uncertain origins; the Anglo-Saxon priest Venerable Bede  in the 8th century derived it from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eostre."  Others link it to Astarte, the Phoenician fertility goddess who had the Babylonian counterpart Istar.

2. Hares, rabbits: These are symbols of fertility "handed down from the ancient ceremonial and symbolism of European and Middle Easter pagan  spring festivals." - Encyclopedia Britannica. 

3. Eggs:  According to Funk and Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology, and Legend, the hunt for Easter eggs, supposedly brought by the Easter rabbit, "is not mere child's play, but the vestige of a fertility rite."  (Note: Besides rabbits don't lay eggs, they are mammals who bear little baby bunnies🐰)  "Some cultures believed that the decorated Easter egg  "could magically bring happiness, prosperity, health, and protection." - Traditional Festivals:

4. New Easter outfit:  It was considered discourteous and therefore bad luck to greet the Scandinavian goddess of spring, or Estre, in anything but fresh garb." - The Giant Book of  Superstitions.

5. Sunrise services: These have been linked to rites of ancient sun worshippers "performed at the vernal equinox  welcoming the sun and its great power to being new life to all growing things." - Celebrations-The Complete Book of American Holidays.

The American Book of Days well describes the origin of Easter: "There is no doubt that the Church in its early days, adopted the old pagan customs and gave a Christian meaning to them."

The Bible warns against worshipping God by following traditions or customs that have displeased him.  (Mark 7:6-8)   2 Corinthians  states:  "Separate yourselves,' says Jehovah, and quit touching the unclean thing." Easter is a pagan holiday that those who want to please God will avoid.

Next time:Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Observe the Lord's Supper Differently From the Way Other Religions Do? 

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