Origins of Easter

The modern day Easter traditions stem from three religious faiths: Pagan, Hebrew and Christian. From the Pagan traditions there are connections to modern day Easter symbols like the egg, and rabbit as well as modern day spring rituals. The actual word 'Easter' is believed to come from the name of the Pagan Goddess of Spring and the month of April was dedicated to the observance of this Goddess. The pagans believed that the rabbit and eggs were symbols of fertility. They used brightly coloured eggs to represent the colours of the new spring.

Easter is also connected to the Jewish Passover festival which commemorates the flight of the Israelites from Egypt where they were held as slaves. In the Jewish faith, the angel of death passed over their homes, offering them protection. Many early Christians viewed Easter as a new feature of the Passover festival.

Easter is also one of the most important periods in the Christian religion. It is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection, which occurred three days after he was crucified and buried. The symbolism of this event is that just as Jesus rose from the grave, Christians can also receive new life after death.

The traditions surrounding Easter begins with Lent, a 40-day period before Easter Sunday. Lent is a period of penance, a time where people show sorrow for their sins and seek forgiveness. During Lent observers often fast to pay homage to Jesus, who prayed and fasted during the time leading up to his crucifixion.

There are four other days that are symbolic to the Easter season. Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, involves church services where ashes are placed on the foreheads of church-goers as a reminder to be humble. The last week of Lent is Holy Week and begins with Palm Sunday. It celebrates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem preceding his crucifixion where the crowds laid palms at his feet to show their respect. The following Thursday is Holy Thursday which is commemorative of the Last Supper before Jesus' crucifixion. The next day is Good Friday, which is observed as the day Jesus died on the cross, sacrificing himself for the sins of the world.