How Do You Study The Origins Of Easter?
Easter has come to signify the Easter Bunny, candy, egg-coloring and basket-making. However, this distinctively Christian holiday has an essential religious theme. Christians believe their savior, Jesus Christ, arose from the dead on this day. Let the steps below guide you in studying the origins of this ancient celebration. Determine what English and Germanic words the name “Easter” derives from. Find out what Jakob Grimm said about the origin of the word in his 1835 work, “Deutsch Mythologie.” Define the Greek word “Pascha” and compare it to the definition of the Slavic word “Uskrs.” Research rituals performed by Greek, Roman, Jewish, Persian and Germanic tribes during spring festivals. Find out why these people gave eggs as gifts during their religious celebrations. Identify what eggs symbolized to ancient people. Compare this practice to the tradition of coloring and giving eggs as gifts at Easter today. Read historical and religious accounts of Jesus Christ’s last week on earth. T
