Why is Easter Called Easter?

On April 9th, we will be celebrating Easter, the day on which the resurrection of Jesus is said to have taken place. The date for Easter changes from year to year. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. The spring equinox is the day when there are equal periods of light and darkness. Spring means the coming back to life of plants and trees that have been dormant for winter. Given the symbolism of new life and rebirth, it’s a natural time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The naming of the celebration as “Easter” derives from the name of a pre-Christian goddess in England, Eostre, who was celebrated at the beginning of spring.

The name Easter is used in the English-speaking world, but many cultures refer to this time of year as “Passover.” This is the Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. This is the most important Jewish seasonal festival, celebrated on the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Jewish pilgrims streamed into Jerusalem every year at this time, which attracted the attention of the Romans.

Jesus was executed around the year 30 A.D. Since Jesus died during the Passover festival, and his followers believed he was resurrected from the dead three days later, it was logical to commemorate these events in close proximity. They held the festival on Sunday, since Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day which is believed to be Sunday. In 325 A.D., Emperor Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea where Jesus was recognized as “fully human and fully divine.” As a result of this council, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the vernal equinox.

All of this is important, but only after we realize that Jesus is “fully human and fully divine” and came to save each one of us. Easter is the time for colored eggs and bunnies and spring, but none of this makes any difference until we realize that Jesus came for each of us. Let us praise God for sending His only son to earth to die for our sins. Let us praise God for our eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer – Heavenly Father, we thank you for Jesus, who came to die for our sins and offers each of us life eternal when we believe. Amen.

Matthew 21:9 – “Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Photos: AdobeStock & Wesley Tingey, courtesy of Unsplash