Is Easter a pagan holiday?
One viewpoint is that Easter is rooted in the celebration of the fertility of a pagan goddess, Ishtar, who was from Babylonian times. This celebration of ancient fertility rites would, ultimately, mean that Christians were celebrating something far from the truth of Jesus’ Resurrection.
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Others have also connected Easter to the timing of Passover, and the forbidding of Christians eating eggs at the time of Lent in the Middle Ages. The word “Easter” can also be connected to the Germanic form of the word “dawn” which would symbolize the dawn of Christ’s Resurrection on the Third Day.
So, should Christians use the term “Easter” or not?
As believers, we are called to walk in wisdom and discernment, that’s why it’s important to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to convict and lead us personally.
While discussions about pagan roots and cultural influences for the name “Easter” are valid, they should not distract believers from the central truth that Resurrection Sunday marks the greatest event in human history—the defeat of sin and death through Jesus rising from the grave.
Regardless of the terms used, what matters most is the posture of our hearts and our focus on the victory of the cross and the empty tomb. Our hearts must be fixed at all times on Christ in sincere worship, not only at this time of year, but in all situations and circumstances.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
