THE ORIGINS OF EASTER
by Dave R. Mode, Jr.

Easter has for centuries been recognized as the celebration of Messiah's (Christ's) resurrection. Included within the celebration are a variety of customs that are practiced. Such as, making Easter baskets filled with colored eggs, chocolate bunny rabbits, fruit, and candies of different sorts. Also, the coloring of eggs and having Easter egg hunts are regarded as part of the celebration. On Easter special emphasis is placed upon eggs and bunny rabbits. In the stores and in advertisements the preparation for Easter is almost always highlighted by eggs and bunny rabbits. Since a great deal of emphasis is placed on bunny rabbits and eggs, then we must question the connection that bunny rabbits and eggs have with the resurrection of the Messiah. It appears that rabbits and eggs have no connection with the resurrection. The scriptures surely do not speak of rabbits and eggs as part of the resurrection. So, where did this aspect of celebration come from? In order to address this question, the history of the resurrection celebration must first be noted. Afterwhich, the origin of Easter and its customs shall be examined. 

EARLY HISTORY OF THE RESURRECTION CELEBRATION 

The focus of the believer during the first and second centuries was the death and resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ). These two events were central and of critical importance to the foundation of the gospel and faith of the believer. The festivals celebrated by the early believers in connection with the Messiah's death and resurrection were the annual feasts of Passover and First Fruits (see Lev. 23:4-11). The early believers recognized the Messiah as the fulfillment of what these festivals represented. Yeshua the Messiah became regarded as the true Paschal (Passover) Lamb and the first fruits of all that rise from the dead. There is no biblical evidence that points to the early believers observing a festival by the name "Easter". Although in Acts 12:4 of the King James Version the word "Easter" is mentioned, it is an improper translations of the Greek term "pasche". "Pasche" is literally translated "passover", and was understood by the early believers as "passover". Only Passover and First Fruits were observed in connection with the death and resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus). Another reason for the early believers' observance of Passover and First Fruits was because Yeshua (Jesus) died on Passover day and rose on the day of First Fruits. 

EASTER'S ORIGIN AND CUSTOMS 

Since there appears to be no connection between the resurrection and the Easter Celebration, let us consider the origins of Easter. The name "Easter" is derived from the words "Eostre" and "Ishtar". "Eostre" is the name of the ancient Saxon goddess of spring (fertility). "Ishtar" is the name of the ancient Babylonian goddess of love and generation (fertility). The name "Easter" (Eostre or Ishtar) was also used to represent the spring festivals devoted to the goddess of love and fertility. Its celebration goes back about 4,000 years, which is obviously before the birth of Yeshua (Jesus). It originated from the Babylonian religious system where it is believed that idolatry began after the flood. The practices associated with the Ishtar festival was symbolical of Ishtar. She was the mother goddess who presided over child birth, and in her honor women sacrificed their virginity on the feast day or became temple prostitutes. 

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