During Easter time, you can go to the store and see multiple bunnies decorating the shelves with chocolate, candy, and lots of other sweets. Have you ever wondered about the true meaning of Easter?

The (English) name “Easter” comes from the German word “Ostern” whose source is unknown. However, in the 8th century, historian Bede had a theory that pointed out that it could have originated from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre (or Eostrae), possibly associated with spring and fertility. Here comes the reason behind the eggs in Easter, the story Eostrae was commonly told that she did transform a bird into an egg-laying hare (the OG Easter Bunny) but, the only surviving mention of that goddess’ existence comes from (again)  historian Bede.

If we go to the bible, there is not a text that mentions the holiday of Easter (or even Christmas), so the question remains, why do Christians celebrate easter? Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ after being crucified and dead for three days. Matthew 28:5-6 says “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said’”. Christians celebrate Easter because of what God was promised in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. Apostle John wrote this passage explaining how God sent Jesus to Earth to die for our sins and give us eternal life in heaven.

Of course, not everyone celebrates Easter the same way. There isn’t a right way to celebrate Easter. Each person has the freedom to celebrate Easter in their way or not to celebrate the holiday at all. However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful Easter season.