THE ORIGINS OF EASTER (cont.)
by Dave R. Mode, Jr.

Rabbits and eggs also have their origin within the ancient Babylonian cult of the Easter festival. According to the legend, the white rabbit played in the full Easter moon that was pure white, and brought gifts of colored eggs to children who were good. From this legend the rabbit and the egg became important symbols of the celebration. It should be noted that both the rabbit and the egg represent fertility. The rabbit was known as a quick reproducer of many rabbits, and the egg was an emblem of life to the ancient pagan worshipper. It was believed that the egg symbolized the universe and that mankind was formed and then enclosed within it. The Persians in their Easter festival, which they regarded as the Solar New Year, gave colored eggs to each other in celebration of the sun's resurrection. 

Since there was no connection between the resurrection and the Easter celebration during the time of the early believers, then how did Easter become associated with the resurrection. From the time of Emperor Constantine's edict of 325 AD making Christianity the religion of his empire, a process of blending pagan practices and Christian beliefs took place. The edict forced pagan temple worshippers to accept Christianity as their religion. As a result, the temples of idolatry became christianized on the surface while maintaining pagan practices within the framework of the church. For example, the mother goddess and child form of worship that existed prior to the edict was now represented in Mary and Jesus (Yeshua). During the 4th century after 325 AD, Mary was regarded as the Queen of Heaven. Pagan practices developed a strong hold in the church. Since church leaders were unable to stop the people from embracing pagan practices, they included these practices within the framework of the church. During the time when Passover and First Fruits were being celebrated, the Easter festival was being celebrated. Over a period time in history, the Easter festival and the resurrection celebration were blended together. It became so blended that when one speaks of celebrating Easter it is naturally associated with the resurrection of Messiah by many. It is also seen historically in the King James Version translation of the Bible. In Acts 12:4, the Greek term "pasche" which literally means "passover" was translated "Easter". 

Based upon the information given, it must be concluded that Easter has no connection with the celebration of Yeshua's resurrection. Remember God loves you, and BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU CELEBRATE. 

REFERENCES 

*Collier's Encyclopedia - "Feasts and Festivals" 

*Faiths and Folklore, by Hazlitt 

*Holidays Around the World, by Gaer 

*The Book of Religious Holidays and Celebrations, by Ickis 

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