Just Alexa…

Easter is a celebration for the Ressurection of Christ. But did you know it used to be a pagan festival? The Saxons used to have a festival, celebrating the return of spring, in honor of the goddess of springtime, Estre. When the Christian missionaries tried to convert the Saxons, they substituted their celebration for Ressurection instead of the pagan celebration. The name Eastre was eventually changed to its modern spelling, Easter.

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon, which is between March 22 and April 25. It starts with Good Friday, which is said to be the day Christ died on the cross. He was ressurected two day later, on Easter Sunday.

Today when one thinks of Easter, it usually includes some picture of a bunny and eggs. The rabbit was said to be the goddess’ Eastre earthly symbol. The eggs are symbol of rebirth and renewal. They were usually brightly colored, by being boiled with the leaves or petals of some flowers. Today eggs are still decorated as part of the tradition. The Easter Bunny brings colored eggs, candy and toys to children the night before Easter.