Easter Celebrations: Past and Present Pagan Influences

Easter is a holiday that is widely celebrated around the world. While it is traditionally known as a Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the roots of Easter can be traced back to pagan celebrations. The pagans celebrated the arrival of spring with various rituals and traditions that are seen in modern-day Easter festivities. One of the main pagan celebrations that influenced Easter is the festival of Eostre, which was held in honor of the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility. Eostre was associated with the dawn and the rising sun, symbolizing new life and rebirth. The celebration of Eostre included the decorating of eggs, which were seen as a symbol of fertility.

The through line among these traditions is resurrection. While Christianity focuses on the resurrection of Christ, believers of pagan religions focused on the natural world and celebrated when it "resurrected" in the spring.

For example, 2,000 years before Christ, the Sumerians in Mesopotamia had a tradition around the goddess Inanna, who descended into the underworld during winter and was brought back to life once winter ended. While Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, a few aspects of the holiday were adopted from ancient pagan rituals that celebrated the annual resurrection of life during the spring.

The celebration of Eostre included the decorating of eggs, which were seen as a symbol of fertility. This tradition was adopted by Christians and is still practiced today. Another pagan celebration that influenced Easter is the festival of Ishtar, which was observed by the ancient Babylonians.

How ancient pagan rituals helped inspire modern Easter traditions

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Many of the Easter traditions Christians celebrate today date back to the early days of Christianity. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Originally Published by:

• Easter Sunday to be stormy across the South
• Early week system to pummel the Northeast with rain and snow
• More snow on the way for Dakotas, Minnesota after paralyzing blizzard
• Easter weekend sky to be illuminated by full moon

Easter brings together an unlikely cadre of traditions: church, bunnies and eggs.

But what may seem like an odd trio is actually tied together by the universal themes of spring and life renewed.

While Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, a few aspects of the holiday were adopted from ancient pagan rituals that celebrated the resurrection of life in the spring.

Ishtar was the goddess of love, fertility, and warfare. The Babylonians would offer sacrifices, hold feasts, and participate in various festivities during this time. The name Ishtar eventually evolved into the name Easter and the holiday itself adopted some of the customs and symbols associated with Ishtar's festival. The practice of giving and receiving gifts on Easter also has pagan origins. The ancient Romans celebrated the festival of Lupercalia during the same time as Easter, which involved gift-giving and feasting. Over time, these traditions merged with Easter celebrations, and the exchange of gifts became a common practice. In addition to these pagan influences, the date of Easter itself is connected to both Christian and pagan customs. The Christian observance of Easter follows the lunar calendar and is held on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. However, the timing of Easter was also influenced by pagan traditions related to the changing seasons and the equinox. Despite its Christian significance, Easter has undeniable pagan roots. The celebration of spring, the decorations of eggs, the exchange of gifts, and the timing of the holiday all stem from ancient pagan rituals and customs. Today, Easter serves as a bridge between the religious observance of Christ's resurrection and the secular celebration of the changing season..

Reviews for "Easter and the Spring Equinox: Pagan Connections"

1. John - 1/5 stars

As someone who doesn't believe in the religious aspects of Easter, I find it incredibly disappointing to learn about its pagan origins. The fact that this holiday has roots in ancient fertility rituals is disturbing and takes away any meaning it may have for me. I would much rather celebrate a holiday that is based on something meaningful and relevant to today's society.

2. Sarah - 2/5 stars

I've always enjoyed the Easter holiday for its cheerful atmosphere and traditions. However, learning about its pagan roots has left a sour taste in my mouth. It feels like a betrayal to discover that this celebration has been built on ancient rituals that have nothing to do with the religious significance attached to it today. I wish there was more transparency about the origins of holidays like Easter.

3. David - 1/5 stars

Discovering that Easter has pagan origins has made me question the authenticity of the holiday. It feels like a forced celebration with no real purpose or connection to modern-day society. I find it disappointing that we continue to celebrate a holiday that is rooted in ancient practices that have no relevance or significance in today's world. It's time to find a holiday that is more meaningful and true to our times.

4. Emily - 2/5 stars

Although I understand that Easter has ancient pagan roots, it doesn't sit well with me. I prefer to celebrate holidays with a religious or historical significance that aligns with my beliefs. Learning about the pagan origins of Easter has made me feel disconnected from the holiday and its traditions. I would much rather celebrate a holiday that has a more meaningful and purposeful background.

The Pagan Origins of Easter: How Christianity Adopted Ancient Traditions