where did easter come from

Easter has a complex origin that blends Christian and ancient pagan traditions.

1. Christian Origin:
   Easter is primarily a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a foundational event in Christianity. The celebration is closely tied to the Jewish Passover (Pesach), commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt. Early Christians connected Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, which occurred around Passover, with the spiritual liberation of humanity from sin. The Christian name for Easter in many languages derives from the Greek and Latin word "Pascha," meaning Passover.

2. Pagan Roots:
   The English term "Easter" likely comes from the name of an Anglo-Saxon goddess called Ēostre or Eostre, who was associated with spring and fertility. The Venerable Bede, an 8th-century monk, wrote that the month of April was once called Eosturmonath ("Month of Ēostre") and feasts were held in her honor. The festival marked the spring equinox and the renewal of life after winter.

Many Easter traditions—such as eggs, rabbits, and spring flowers—have pre- Christian, pagan origins related to fertility and rebirth. For example, eggs symbolized new life in Babylonian spring festivals, and the Easter Bunny has roots in pagan festivals honoring Ēostre. In summary, Easter originated from a Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection, timed around the Jewish Passover, and incorporated existing pagan springtime symbols and festivals. The modern holiday reflects this blend of religious and cultural histories.