The origins of Easter
The origins of Easter are not exactly clear. Some say that it was created by the Anglo-
Saxons in reverence to Oestre – the Goddess of Spring & Fertility. Others say the word Easter is derived from the old German word “oestrum” and is definitely a Christian tradition.
Determining the date each year
The date of Easter however, changes because it is based around the moon cycles and the March equinox (spring equinox in the northern hemisphere and autumn equinox in the southern hemisphere). This would give further credence to the theory that it is based on a Pagan celebration of Spring, particularly with the focus on rabbits (a symbol of fertility) and eggs. However, the Christian tradition of exchanging Easter eggs is reported as occurring because they traditionally coloured the eggs red as symbol of Christs blood on the cross and the empty shell represents the empty tomb when Christ was resurrected.
So why does the date for Easter differ each year?
Whatever your belief, the definitive answer on when Easter occurs is a bit of a mouthful ….
the Sunday after the first full moon following the March equinox.
This means that the date for Easter Sunday can occur anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th.
For those who believe Easter originates as a Christian festival it is all about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and there is still not consensus and two dates are used. The Eastern Orthodox Christians still celebrate Easter on the Sunday after the Full moon after the March equinox – however this differs to the date used by Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians – but it is based on a Julian, rather than a Gregorian calendar.
Other traditions based around Easter
For Christians, there is an extended process of recognising the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter. First of all the is a period of 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter called Lent. This isn’t exactly 40 days, as for some reason Sundays are not included. Lent is all about fasting and giving up something that you love, as an act o f respect for Jesus who went without during his time in the desert. Roman Catholics also have other processes that occur prior to Easter, such as the celebration of lights (lighting of candles), studies in Christian teachings, sacraments and a process of welcoming young people into the order through baptisms and confirmations.
Eating fish on Easter Friday was a practice developed because the Roman Catholics believed it was important to abstain from eating red meat on Fridays – the day Jesus died on the cross. In most Christian households this tradition has been reduced down to only one Friday of the year – Easter Friday – when fish is traditionally served.
There are many other traditions associated with Easter that have developed over the years, including the Easter egg hunt – a favourite amongst children. This still occurs in my household and is really just an excuse to eat chocolate! But whatever your religion or traditions you observe, Easter Sunday brings people together and is seen as a time of celebration of life.
Happy Easter to everyone! xx
*References available on request