The Easter long weekend is winding down – cue the hot cross buns, pastel colours and, for many, a bit of church and family time. But what’s really behind all the eggs, bunnies and “He is risen” messages?
At its core, Easter is a Christian holiday that marks Jesus’s resurrection, three days after his crucifixion. It’s one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. But over the years, the religious origins have gotten tangled with other, more colourful traditions.
One popular internet theory is that the word Easter comes from Ishtar, a Mesopotamian goddess of war and fertility, whose symbols allegedly included eggs. Sounds juicy – but there’s no historical proof for this link. Sorry, TikTok theologians.
The more likely, but still shaky, theory is that the word Easter comes from Eostre, a supposed Germanic goddess celebrated in spring. But we don’t have any shrines, altars, or ancient texts confirming she was even worshipped. Academic vibes, but not quite convincing.
And the bunny? Blame Germany again. The Oschter Haws, or Easter Hare, was said to lay colourful eggs for well-behaved children – a tale dating back to the 1500s. Honestly, it sounds straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. 💀
As for eggs and bunnies, both are old-school symbols of new life – a neat fit with spring and the idea of resurrection. But no, there’s no gospel verse where Jesus hands out chocolate.
So, whether you’re celebrating the resurrection, the changing season, or just enjoying a four-day weekend, now you know where it (kind of) comes from. Happy Easter! 🐣
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