Why is Easter so Simmlar to Pagan Rituals?

Not many people know that the symbols and traditions we have for Easter pre-date Christianty. In Anglo-Saxon religion there was a goddess of dawn called Eostre. The month of April during that time was called the Eostre’s month, so the Easter derived its name from this month.

Rays of light that came with the goddess Eostre were carried buy bunnies; this is where the Easter Bunny came from.  It’s very likely that the Christian missionaries that wanted to bring Christianity to the northern Europe tribes saw that the resurrection of Jesus somewhat corresponds with the Teutonic celebration the victory of life over death.

This is why Easter absorbed all the traditional symbols of the pagan gods. Within middle ages in European countries, chicken eggs have been forbidden in the course of Lent. Eggs produced in that time period have been usually boiled or stored. Eggs ended up being a pillar of Easter dishes, and also a valued Easter surprise for kids as well as servants. Furthermore, eggs were considered icons of brand new life as well as virility over the years.

It is considered that due to this several ancient civilizations, like the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Persians, implemented eggs in their springtime celebrations. There are a lot of practices and traditions that formed for the Easter eggs. They are often painted, dyed, and decorated. Eggs are also used in different holiday games: some of them involve parents hiding the eggs and their children have to find it, or games where children will roll the eggs downhill. The most well-known egg roll is situated on the White House territory every year.

The Easter eggs can be decorated in many ways, Orthodox Christians dye them in red to represent the blood of Christ. Sometimes the contents of the eggs is blown out through a hole and beautiful pictures drawn on it for everyone to enjoy.