by Shauna Kirk

Created on: February 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

Easter as defined by the Encarta dictionary is "the Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ." With that definition, one might ask "What do dyed eggs and bunny rabbits have to do with the resurrection of Jesus?" In order to gain even an elementary understanding of the evolution of Easter, it is necessary to begin with a basic examination of what a Christian is and what a Pagan is.

A Christian, according to the Encarta Dictionary is "somebody who believes that Jesus Christ was sent to the world by God to save humanity, and who tries to follow his teachings and example." A Pagan, according to the Encarta dictionary is defined as somebody who does not follow one of the world's main religions, especially somebody who is not a Christian, Muslim, or Jew, and whose religion is regarded as questionable.

Still wondering what eggs and bunnies have to do with Easter? Well, the Pagans of ancient times celebrated their rituals at the Spring Equinox. These rituals are mainly related to fertility. We all can connect bunnies and eggs to fertility can't we? Ever wonder why fertility is connected with rabbits? In the early 1920's and 1930's, rabbits were used to determine if a woman was pregnant. A woman's urine was injected into a rabbit and then the rabbit was killed (yes, all the rabbits died) and it's ovaries were examined to determine if the woman was pregnant. Okay, but rabbits don't lay eggs, so where do the eggs come in? Well life on this earth evolves from an egg. Life can not occur without fertility.
Christians have blended their beliefs with some of the traditions practiced by Pagans in making our Easter celebration of today what it is.

If it is right to celebrate Easter as a Christian can be argued in a room with 50 people and you would have 50 different answers, all making a justifiable point. You have to search your heart. If you feel that it is wrong, then you better not do it. Have you ever had a little child tell you they don't want to die eggs? Has a little child ever told you they didn't want a chocolate bunny? Have you heard a child refuse to go to church because Jesus died this day?

In the NIV Bible, Mark 10:15, Jesus says to us "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Learn more about this author, Shauna Kirk.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.