Easter, should Christians celebrate it?

[Jor-el]

The pagan festival of Easter originated as the worship of the sun goddess, the Babylonian Queen of Heaven, who was later worshipped under many names including Ishtar, Cyble, Idaea Mater (the great mother), or Astarte for whom the celebration of Easter is named. Easter is the celebration commemorating the death and ressurection of Tammuz the "sun god." As legend has it, Tammuz was out hunting, when he was killed by a wild boar. He is said to have been in the ground three days and then ressurected to ascend into heaven to become the "sun god." (Does it sound familiar?) Easter is not another name for the feast of Passover and is not celebrated at the Biblically prescribed time for Passover. This pagan festival was given a "Christianized" theme 100 years after Christ.

History records the words of Hyginus, an Egyptian, who was a librarian at the Palestine library in Rome during the time of Ceaser Agustus: "An egg of wonderous size is said to have fallen from heaven into the river Euphrates. The fishes rolled it to the bank, where the doves having settled upon it, hatched it, out came Venus, who afterwards was called the Syrian Goddess." That Syrian Goddess, supposedly hatched from the egg, was Astarte, from whom the title "Easter" came from. After Easter/Astarte ascended to heaven she is said to be escorted by rabbits laying colored eggs. The rabbits being a pagan fertility symbol because of their procreation habits, and are also a pagan symbol for spring and the eggs being traditionally a symbol of new life.

Easter vs Passover

We ought not, therefore, to have anything in common with the Jews, for the Saviour has shown us another way; our worship follows a more legitimate and more convenient course [the order of the days of the week]; and consequently, in unanimously adopting this mode, we desire, dearest brethren, to separate ourselves from the detestable company of the Jews.

Constantine I

From the Letter of the Emperor to all those not present at the Council. (Found in Eusebius, Vita Const., Lib. iii., 18-20.)

When reviewing the historical record of the “Passover/Easter” controversy, it is undeniable that the early New Testament Church did not observe Easter. They continued observing Passover, but with a new significance and understanding. In fact one can state that as the church became more gentile and less Jewish in substance, that gentile christians started repudiating all things jewish, until they in fact initiated a trend that culminated in direct anti-semitism, thereby cutting off their own roots.

"Neither the apostles, therefore nor the Gospels, have anywhere imposed…Easter…The Savior and His apostles have enjoined us by no law to keep this feast [Easter]…And that the observance originated not by legislation [of the apostles], but as a custom the facts themselves indicate"

Socrates Scholasticus, Ecclesiastical History V, chapter 22).

So, shouldn't we as christians do the right thing and repudiate this false celebration, and return to our roots, celebrating Passover?

[Big Bad Voodoo]

As I once read that Bunny and eggs were connected with Slavic paganism. Slavic have beliefs about those colorfull eggs.

[Rlyeh]

Hell if they have no problem using pagan days and a pagan alphabet, why not?

[Big Bad Voodoo]

Hell if they have no problem using pagan days and a pagan alphabet, why not?

Pagan alphabet?

[Jor-el]

Pagan alphabet?

Our alphabet is Latin based, thus it came from the Romans, who took it from the Greeks, who created the 1st true modern alphabet.

Naturally this has nothing to do with the OP itself.

Edited April 4, 2012 by Saru
Removed quote of deleted post

[+HerNibs]

I celebrate it. All the colors and springtime stuff. Eggs, candy, gifts, etc.

Having a big dinner on Sunday. My daughter-in-law celebrates only the Christian version (Jesus back from the dead, etc.)

I just combine everything. She takes the granddaughters to church in the morning. Then to my house for the "pagan" celebration.

She says a quick prayer before dinner. Those of us that don't believe just sit quietly and respectfully because we love her and the girls.

Not a huge deal but a wonderful time. She is worshipping in her way and we celebrate the spring in ours.

Combines beautifully.

Nibs

Whoops - forgot to add -

It's what the event means in our hearts that is important isn't it?

Edited April 2, 2012 by HerNibs

[Jor-el]

I celebrate it. All the colors and springtime stuff. Eggs, candy, gifts, etc.

Having a big dinner on Sunday. My daughter-in-law celebrates only the Christian version (Jesus back from the dead, etc.)

I just combine everything. She takes the granddaughters to church in the morning. Then to my house for the "pagan" celebration.

She says a quick prayer before dinner. Those of us that don't believe just sit quietly and respectfully because we love her and the girls.

Not a huge deal but a wonderful time. She is worshipping in her way and we celebrate the spring in ours.

Combines beautifully.

Nibs

Whoops - forgot to add -

It's what the event means in our hearts that is important isn't it?

Problem is, it isn't even the anniversary of Jesus resurrection... there is absolutely nothing that links it to christianity, tradition notwithstanding...

[+and-then]

I have struggled a bit with this one, Jor el. Nibs describes the typical celebration of Easter in my family as well. God is acknowledged but not emphasized and the truth is that the pagan tradition is not a proper way to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. But neither is keeping the tradition of the Jews of Pesach. I maintain an awareness of the calendar for Pesach and worship privately at that time for the resurrection then enjoy my family as we gather for the bunny and egg silliness. I also teach the true meaning to my nieces and nephews at that time and no one seems to mind too much.

[Sir Wearer of Hats]

the concept of the Easter celebration? That the Son of God came, taught and died in a terribly excruciating manner to expunge sin and open the door to everyone to Heaven? What, pray, is wrong with that? Now the commercialism of it all is an irritant but that's the modern scourge IMO and replaced the need for some mortification in the penance, we're still suffering to expedite the expurgate of sin it's just there aren't whips involved anymore

Easter falls on a pagan holiday yes. But then so does Christ's Mass, and many biblical scholars and theologians suggest that that should be falling about now rather then the Paschal Mystery.

[markdohle]

Problem is, it isn't even the anniversary of Jesus resurrection... there is absolutely nothing that links it to christianity, tradition notwithstanding...

For Christians Easter is a celebrations of Christ rising from the dead. In other traditions it is a celebrations of life renewing itself. Both are conncected. We can both get along.

Peace

Mark

[+HerNibs]

Problem is, it isn't even the anniversary of Jesus resurrection... there is absolutely nothing that links it to christianity, tradition notwithstanding...

Nope, no connection at all, but does that really matter? She's thankful for the resurrection of Jesus and the gifts (she believes) that were given to her by God.

Give thanks/praise to the Lord

I know I seem to be really simplifying this but I really do see it as simple. Does the "date" and "name" of the day really matter?

Heck - Sunday isn't even considered a holy day in many places.

I'm not trying to make light of the question as much as I'm stating that the actual date and name of the day isn't that important.

Nibs

[Big Bad Voodoo]

Our alphabet is Latin based, thus it came from the Romans, who took it from the Greeks, who created the 1st true modern alphabet.

Im aware of that. But they didnt took it from the greeks. And Greeks defenetly didnt create 1st true modern alphabet.

As for Pagan alphabet , Italic people gone long way. From people who prosecuted Christians to one who prosecuted in the name of Christ.

So called Italic, Roman people pagans is little wierd since word pagan came from latin word paganus which means villager and is often used by Romans after they adopt Christianity for Barbarians and their old Gods.

Latin alphabet =/= Pagan alphabet

Edited April 2, 2012 by Melo

[Beckys_Mom]

Growing up we were taught Easter Sunday was when Jesus rose again..

But we celebrated it and only thought about chocolate eggs and eating a big Easter Sunday dinner... then eat more chocolate .

Only thing I didn't like was - Made go to Mass and wear dooley new clothes some family members bought...... HA HA my daughter is going through the SAME thing.. The clothes, sent to church and the rest Oh wait maybe I should not laugh...cuz I used to moan about it lol

Edited April 2, 2012 by Beckys_Mom

[Jor-el]

One of the things I cannot agree with, is not the commercialism of easter, it isn't the bunnies, the chocolate eggs, I can live with all that. What I have difficulty with is the idea that we have divorced ourselves from our roots and have taken foreign beliefs into our midst. I speak to christians of course.

Passover is the only real time to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, no matter on what days of the week they land on. The church has allowed this situation for ages and then they are surprised when they are accused of almost being paganistic in their rituals...

[Meiliken]

I think it's rather moronic to set aside a day to show others you care for them. Holidays are only made to remind people to do this. But if you need reminding, you're a sorry excuse for a human being. This goes with all holidays, easter, christmas, new years, mothers day, fathers day, st patricks day, you name it. Even birthdays and anniversaries fall into that. Why not show people you care every day? You humans get complacent and that's why your divorce rates are so high, and why love and honor are going the way of the dodo. You want to show your spouse you're thinking of them? Don't wait for anniversary or birthday; surprise them with a flower/card at random. You want to show your family they're special to you; invite them over for dinner. Making up special days just to do what you should have been doing all along is outright ludicrous.

Welcome to the human condition.

[I Am Not Resisting]

You want to show your spouse you're thinking of them? Don't wait for anniversary or birthday; surprise them with a flower/card at random.

Can you tell this to my husband, please??

[willowdreams]

I have read most of the responses here.

I think this Christianity/Pagan thing is wearing thin each and every year.

I do not like to think of Christians as being stupid or ignorant. They are perfectly aware that the majority of their 'celebrations' are adopted from Pagan holidays and made to look Christian all wrapped up in a blanket of 'easy conversion' from way back when.

Well, that was way back when, whoop de do and spank me till I am blue.

Who cares? In all seriousness, does it really seriously matter?

People are paying so much attention to 'O M G that pagan or Christian or Commercialism?' and less to what should actually be happening.

I am agnostic. I have lived both the Christian world and the Pagan world and I have found both to be lacking in much of everything and both to be filled with silly attitudes towards one another and the world in general (keeping in mind I am giving my OPINION here based on what I have experienced).

I have found that the best thing to do is keep your belief personal. And bring everything else out in the open. Your belief in whatever god/s you believe in is personal for you. Keep it special, keep it that way. Yes, be with like minded people to get your spiritural food if you are religious/spiritual, no issues there, but today the celebrations should be about something else.

I work. My family works. And when someone in the home does not have a job or is home on layoff (like I am during summer) that person holds down the front by keeping house clean, meals cooked and clothes washed while everyone else is outside the home earning money to KEEP the physical home over our heads.

So when we have these 'celebrations' and it is recognized by the government and we get our day off, we actually use that to our advantage. It is those days we come together as family and friends and enjoy each other. We each make parts of meals and meet together and 'fellowship' and friends and family. We do not care if you are pagan, christian or atheist or agnostic or even jewish (though I admit for one of our Jewish families, they bring their own food due to their eating habits). No one cares.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Good Friday, Labor day, Fourth of July, are days of fellow shipping without religion being discussed, more of getting updated. Picnics, laughter, singing, games, silly arguing, watching some sports game on tv (seriously, what is so fun bout that? Shhhhhhh don't tell any of the male friends of mine that I asked this though, they just look at me like I have grown two extra heads when I ask what is so great about 'the game').

Holidays are the few times of the year when most everyone has a day or two or three off work and we can all actually congregate someplace together and have fun without stress.

Instead of worrying about if something is about commercialism or if it is actually Pagan or Christian, I say be more concerned with making it the one thing it should be about.

Friends and family and getting together, even if it is only on the phone or through computer (seriously, we have some friends who communicate through GAMING! I do not get it, but they seem content).

It is the few times most pple have the day/s off and of course you are always aware these holidays are days off so you can make plans months ahead of time and enjoy knowing it is all being taken care of.

Religion is all nice and stuff, (counting all faiths in that) and non religious life is really nice as well, but they mean nothing if you cannot take advantage of a day here and there to congregate with family and friends without concern of their religious or non religious beliefs.

friends and family trumps commercialism and how a holiday came about.

At least to me anyways, but hey! What do I know? I am just your standard every day boring Agnostic who cares more for people then how some holiday came about.

I learned the hard way a few yrs back, life is short, you can go at any moment. So make your moments count NOW and worry about what is important in your heart and I bet when you think hard about, how a celebration came about 2000 plus years ago is not as important as who you celebrate with today.

[DingoLingo]

So when we have these 'celebrations' and it is recognized by the government and we get our day off, we actually use that to our advantage. It is those days we come together as family and friends and enjoy each other. We each make parts of meals and meet together and 'fellowship' and friends and family. We do not care if you are pagan, christian or atheist or agnostic or even jewish (though I admit for one of our Jewish families, they bring their own food due to their eating habits). No one cares.

Well said.. my family is similar in this.. I'm a pagan my sister is a christian.. my other sister is a atheiest.. my mother was a catholic.. no idea what the old man was.. even had rellies that were Witnesses.. mormons etc..

But when we all get together.. our religious views are put aside.. because we look at that time spent together as a family more important then observing a religious holiday.. us religous lot, would do all that before heading out to the family gathering.. or when we got home..

[Salami Swami]

I heard the easter egg comes from the egg of ishtar, an egg like vessel the goddess comes to earth with

[Rlyeh]

Pagan alphabet?

Roman alphabet

So called Italic, Roman people pagans is little wierd since word pagan came from latin word paganus which means villager and is often used by Romans after they adopt Christianity for Barbarians and their old Gods.

Latin alphabet =/= Pagan alphabet

By that logic homo sapiens didn't exist either, until the word was invented.. Edited April 3, 2012 by Rlyeh

[Beckys_Mom]

Passover is the only real time to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, no matter on what days of the week they land on. The church has allowed this situation for ages and then they are surprised when they are accused of almost being paganistic in their rituals...

I see what you are saying... But see that is how irony works... They will not want to change now... And a lot of the Christian church is taken from Pagan faith anyway... No offence but I cannot see much with Christianity that is unique, but I wont get into that...

The only way things can change is - a new church is formed and more follow.. But see we have enough splinter groups / branches of Christianity as it is ...Then again on the other hand a new reformed one would most likely do well..I dunnoo..

Edited April 3, 2012 by Beckys_Mom

[+Paranoid Android]

I'm actually torn on this issue from a theological standpoint. On one hand we (Christians) are told to turn away from pagan things, but eggs and bunny rabbits are totally and 100% pagan offerings at this time of year (both representing fertility, which is not surprising for a time dedicated to Ishtar, the goddess of fertility). On the other side of the coin, pretty much everyone in the modern world has removed their personal attachment to eggs and rabbits as being pagan signs. Many may be intellectually aware that they had pagan significance, but when we eat a chocolate bunny we aren't meditating on any pagan ideas.

I think it was wrong for the early church to initially try to appeal to pagan audiences by appropriating their views. Many early Christians would have associated these practises with pagan roots, hence why many pagans converted, because they didn't have to let go of their views - pagan influences would have been at the front of their ideas. But in saying that, after the course of more than a millennium between then and now I'm not so certain that this matters today, most Christians don't associate these things with pagan gods and goddesses.

Personally, I don't really think so much on Easter. It is probably most correct to say I am cautious about it. It neither appeals to me nor offends me. I sit on the fence.

It's a tough one for me to say much more than this

~ PA

Edited April 3, 2012 by Paranoid Android

[+Paranoid Android]

No offence but I cannot see much with Christianity that is unique, but I wont get into that...

I guess that means I won't be getting into all the reasons why I 100% disagree

[Beckys_Mom]

I guess that means I won't be getting into all the reasons why I 100% disagree

PA.....don't make me come over there lol

[Big Bad Voodoo]

By that logic homo sapiens didn't exist either, until the word was invented..

I didnt questioned exitence of alphabet. Your logic is wrong.

Its been like you named homo sapiens - homo ryleh.

I hope you understand.