Origin and History of The Word – Easter

It is believed the origin of the word Easter comes from the pagan goddess “Eostre” to whom each year at the spring equinox a festival was held by the ancient worshippers of her sect. The festival was named Eastron (plural form of the word Eastre).

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The modern word Easter is said to come from the Old English word Eastre.

The Christian Church began a spring celebration to herald reverence to Christ’s resurrection and used the Jewish Passover, in European circles: French-Pacques, Greek-pascha, Italian-Pasqua and so. This spring celebration is the most important festival in the Christian Liturgical Year.

The Facts about Easter—

–  Easteris the ‘high season’ of the Christian Church Liturgical Celebrations, called Eastertide.

– The Easter Seasonlasts 40days from Easter Sunday to Acension Day.

– The Holy Week of Easter is also known as the ‘Octave of Easter’.

– Easter ends the Lenten Season (a time of fasting and penance).

– Easter is sometimes called a “moveable feast” because the date changes from year to year on the calendar.

– Easter as a church holiday was established by the First Council of Nicea in 325.

– Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter as Pascha: Pascha is the foundational and most important festival of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

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