Eric Shi, 09-Apr-2023
We all know that Easter is an important Christian holiday commemorating Jesus Christ's Resurrection. However, do we know why "Resurrection Day" is called Easter (or Easter Sunday)? Does it have anything to do with the East?
The origin of the term "Easter" is not officially established, even though it is likely derived from the Old English word "Ēastre," which was the name of a pagan festival celebrating the spring equinox. The Christian holiday of Easter coincides with this festival. Over time, the word "Easter" came to be used to refer to the Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Similarly, the word "east" is not directly related to the name "Easter," etymologically. However, some have suggested that the association between the two words could be related to the fact that the sun rises in the East, and the Resurrection of Jesus is often associated with the sun's rising. Additionally, some scholars have suggested that the name "Ēastre" itself may have been derived from a word meaning "dawn" or "rising," which could further connect the holiday to the East.
It's important to note that while the word "Easter" is commonly used in English-speaking countries, the holiday is known by names that more closely reflect its Christian significance in many other languages. For example, in Spanish, the holiday is called "Pascua," which comes from the Latin word "Pascha," meaning "Passover." In Greek, the holiday is called "Πάσχα" (Pascha), which also comes from the Hebrew word "Pesach," meaning "Passover."
Isn't "Passover" a Jewish holiday? How is a Jewish holiday becoming associated with a Christian holiday?
Yes, Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar and is typically celebrated in the spring. (E.g., Passover holidays started on 05-Apr-2023 (Wednesday) and on 15-Apr-2022 (Friday)).
However, Passover is also significant to Christians as it is closely linked to the events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. His death and resurrection are often seen as fulfilling the Passover story.
Passover is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The story of the Exodus, as told in the book of Exodus in the Hebrew Bible, tells of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and their miraculous deliverance by God through a series of plagues and miracles. The critical event of the story is the slaying of the Paschal lamb, whose blood was used to mark the doors of the Israelites' homes so that the angel of death would "pass over" them and spare their firstborn children.
The Passover story has profound theological significance for both Jews and Christians. For Jews, Passover is a celebration of freedom and redemption and a reminder of God's faithfulness to his people. The importance of the Passover story is reflected in the Jewish holiday's continued observance throughout the centuries and the ritual of the Seder meal, in which the story of the Exodus is retold in great detail.
For Christians, the Passover story has taken on additional layers of meaning through its connection to the story of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified during the Jewish festival of Passover, and his death and resurrection are seen as a fulfillment of the Passover story. The parallels between the two stories are striking: just as the blood of the Paschal lamb saved the Israelites from death, so is Jesus' sacrifice on the cross seen as saving humanity from sin and death.
The New Testament offers numerous theological interpretations of the connection between the Passover story and Jesus' crucifixion. In the Gospel of John, for example, Jesus is referred to as the "Lamb of God," a direct reference to the Paschal lamb. In the book of Hebrews, the writer explains how Jesus' death on the cross fulfilled the role of the High Priest in the Jewish tradition, offering a perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The book of Revelation describes Jesus as the "Lamb who was slain," an image that echoes the sacrifice of the Paschal lamb.
In addition to the theological connections between the Passover story and Jesus' crucifixion, there are also significant historical links between the two events. The fact that Jesus was crucified during the Jewish festival of Passover is seen as highly significant, as it suggests that his death was in some way connected to the Passover story. The Gospels describe how Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. The Last Supper has become important in the Christian tradition, commemorating Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
The connection between Passover and Easter is further reinforced by the fact that the two holidays are often celebrated around the same time. Although the date of Easter varies from year to year, it typically falls in the spring, around the same time as Passover. This has led to the blending of the two traditions in some Christian communities, with elements of the Passover story incorporated into the Easter celebration.
For Christians, the celebration of Easter represents a victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The themes of freedom, sacrifice, and redemption that are so central to the Passover story are therefore seen as being fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, making Easter a deeply meaningful and significant holiday for Christians worldwide.
In conclusion, the connection between the Exodus story, Jewish Passover, the New Testament story of Jesus being crucified during the Jewish festival of PassoverTop of Form, and the Christian Passover (Easter) story is a rich and complex one, with deep theological and historical significance. The Passover story, with its themes of freedom, sacrifice, and redemption, has been retold and celebrated by Jews for thousands of years, serving as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and deliverance.
For Christians, the connection between Passover and Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection offers a profound theological interpretation of the events surrounding Jesus' death. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is seen as fulfilling the role of the Paschal lamb, saving humanity from sin and death, and offering the promise of eternal life.
The connection between Passover and Easter is further reinforced by the fact that both holidays are celebrated around the same time, and many Christian communities have incorporated elements of the Passover story into their Easter celebrations. Through these celebrations, Christians are reminded of the deep connections between their faith and the Jewish tradition and of the ongoing significance of the Passover story for people of all faiths.
As we continue to celebrate Passover and Easter in our respective communities, it is important to remember the rich history and theological significance of these holidays and to honor the traditions and stories that have been passed down to us over the centuries. In doing so, we can continue to draw inspiration and strength from the powerful themes of freedom, sacrifice, and redemption that lie at the heart of these holidays.
P.S.
Today is 09-Apr-2023, Easter Sunday. In observing commercial advertisements, sales promotions, etc., floating around on the internet targeting shoppers of the Easter holiday season, I recognize that many holiday goers may not truly understand the etymological as well as theological origins of Easter, and it might be helpful for me to provide some clarifications above.
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