[TheConservator]

The word Easter comes from the name of an Anglo Saxon fertility goddess.

Christianity in its early days frequently adopted its festivals so that they corresponded to those of the pagans whom they were trying to convert. Many Germanic tribes, among others, had spring fertility festivals.

[E Rocc]

Christianity in its early days frequently adopted its festivals so that they corresponded to those of the pagans whom they were trying to convert. Many Germanic tribes, among others, had spring fertility festivals.

It's no coincidence that the two major Christian holidays coincide with the winter solstice and vernal equinox, both commonly celebrated by pagan faiths.

-Eric

[Huck]

Don't all religions basically do the seasonal party thing? Something in spring, something at harvest, something around winter solstice? It's just people stealing each other's riffs.

[SampleMan]

Many Germanic tribes, among others, had spring fertility festivals.

There has always been too much made of this and its too often for cynical reasons (not an accusation of your post). Of course, we only have four seasons. So the likelihood of correspondence of season is really good. If the Pagans had Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall festivals, the odds are 100% for correlation. Choosing Winter for the Birth of Christ (when you don't otherwise know) is a logical use of symbolism. The celebration of Christ's resurrection, however, has always been well known on the calendar, as it relates to Passover. The origin of the word "Easter" certainly corresponds with the WGMnc word for a fertility goddess, but the use of the name is more likely from their general use of the word to describe the "promise of life".

[starfish923]

So many of our modern customs have Germanic roots. They all seem to be either Roman or German. I think it's a very interesting study of our past. We reject so much of our Germanic past -- that's just as interesting.
Our history does tell us who we are and why we are the way we are. Always good to investigate and think.

[Revelation 911]

The word Easter comes from the name of an Anglo Saxon fertility goddess.

folks, we have a winner ! - the correct answer wins you exclusion from this nonsensical thread

Easter

Its my understanding the colored eggs predate even the Ostara / Eastre Hare in pagan worship

- was the incorporation of the days in Christian worship the seeds of an early seeker movement LOL

Blessed Resurrection Sunday