7/30/2019 What Does the Bible Say About Easter

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/what-does-the-bible-say-about-easter 1/2

What Does the Bible Say About Easter?Posted on March 23, 2013by ideacreamanuela

The Bible’s answer

The celebration of Easter is not based on the Bible. If you look into its history, though, you will see the

true meaning of Easter—it is a tradition based on ancient fertility rites. Consider the following.

1. Name: The Encyclopaedia Britannica says: “The English name Easter is of uncertain origin; the

Anglo-Saxon priest Venerable Bede in the 8th century derived it from the Anglo Saxon spring goddess

Eostre.” Others link it Astarte, the Phoenician fertility goddess who had Babylonian counterpart ishtar.2. Hares, rabbits: These are symbols of fertility…”of European and Middle Eastern pagan spring

festivals.”—Encyclopaedia Britannica.

3. Eggs: According to Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend, thehunt for Easter eggs, supposedly brought by the Easter rabbit, “is no mere child’s play, but the vestige

of a fertility rite.” The decorated Easter egg, “could magically bring happiness, prosperity, health, and

 protection.”— Traditional Festivals.

The American Book of Days well describes the origin of Easter: “There is no doubt that the Church inits early days adopted the old pagan customs and gave a Christian meaning to them.”

The Bible warns against worshipping God by following traditions or customs that displease him. (Mark 

7:6-8) Second Corinthians 6:17 states: “‘Separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the

unclean thing.”‘ Easter is a pagan holiday that those who want to please God will avoid.  

LEARN MOREEaster or the Memorial—Which Should You Observe?

Related Questions• What Does the Bible Say About Christmas?

• When Was Jesus Born?

•

JW.ORG / OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Photo Credit: Inmagine-imb0790213

7/30/2019 What Does the Bible Say About Easter

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/what-does-the-bible-say-about-easter 2/2

Share this:

•Press This

•Twitter1

•Digg

•Reddit

•Print

•Pinterest

•Email

•StumbleUpon

•LinkedIn1

•Google +1

•Facebook3

•Tumblr