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No Hard Evidence That Easter Orinated From the Pagan Goddess Eastre/Eostre

In fact, we have no hard evidence that such a goddess was ever worshiped by anyone, anywhere.

The only mention of Eastre comes from a passing reference in the writings of the Venerable Bede, an eighth-century monk and historian. Eostre is not mentioned in any other ancient writing; we have found no shrines, no altars, nothing to document the worship of Eastre.

So, while the word Easter most likely comes from an old word for “east”, we don’t have much evidence that suggests anything more. Assertions that Easter is pagan or that Christians have appropriated a goddess-holiday are untenable. Today, however, it seems that Easter might as well have pagan origins, since it has been almost completely commercialized—the world’s focus is on Easter eggs, Easter candy, and the Easter bunny.

Christians celebrate Easter as the resurrection of Christ on the third day after His crucifixion. It is the oldest Christian holiday and the most important day of the church year because of the significance of the crucifixion andresurrection of Jesus Christ, the events upon which Christianity is based (1 Corinthians 15:14). In some Christian traditions, Easter Sunday is preceded by the season ofLent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentance culminating in Holy Week and followed by a 50-day Easter season that stretches from Easter to Pentecost.

Because of the commercialization and possible pagan origins of Easter, many churches prefer to call it “Resurrection Sunday.” The rationale is that, the more we focus on Christ and His work on our behalf, the better. Paul says that without the resurrection of Christ our faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17). What more wonderful reason could we have to celebrate! Whether we call it “Easter” or “Resurrection Sunday,” what is important is the reason for our celebration, which is that Christ is alive, making it possible for us to have eternal life (Romans 6:4)!
Penny · 46-50, F
you know. to associate paganism with commercialism is very condescending and completely uncalled for as it is quite unrelated. things like this are why Christians get a bad name. it is widely known that in the olden days Christians often adopted pagan holidays to help endear people into Christianity. that doesnt make Easter as we know it a pagan holiday. it's just that its name may have possibly been adopted from a pagan source.
Penny · 46-50, F
@LadyGrace how did you answer that? by saying it's "proper"?
LadyGrace · 70-79
@Penny See my answer above.
LadyGrace · 70-79
@Penny
such as when they invaded Ireland and forced the people into Christianity for one.


History states that the introduction of Christianity to Ireland dates to sometime before the 5th century, presumably in interactions with Roman Britain. Christian worship had reached pagan Ireland around 400 AD. It is often misstated that St. Patrick brought the faith to Ireland, but it was already present on the island before Patrick arrived. Monasteries were built for monks who wanted permanent communion with God.

There were already enough Christians in Ireland to get the attention of Pope Celestine, who in 431 sent Palladius to shepherd the bishop. We know this from an entry in Prosper of Aquitaine’s Chronicle (composed c 433–see Daibhi O Croinin’s Early MedievalIreland: 400-1200, page 14 ).
DeluxedEdition · 26-30, F
pagans love to twist and warp history and say holidays belong to them when they didn't. pagen originated in babylon if people actually did the research they claim. what else can you expect from people who worship the devil? he loves to lie and trick and fool people.
LadyGrace · 70-79
@DeluxedEdition They sure do. There are many a false teacher out there.

 
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