Should Christians Celebrate Easter? Let’s Talk About It

 

Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world, especially in Christian communities. It is a cornerstone event of the Christian faith which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

However, over the years, colourful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and springtime festivities have become deeply associated with Easter. This raises a question many Christians ask today: Should we celebrate Easter? Let’s talk about it.

The Origins of Easter

The term “Easter” is believed to have roots in pagan traditions. Some scholars link it to Eostre, a Saxon goddess of spring and fertility, whose festival was celebrated around the vernal equinox. Rabbits and eggs, both ancient symbols of fertility, were part of those festivities long before Christianity adopted them.

As Christianity spread through Europe, early believers often aligned Christian celebrations with existing cultural and seasonal festivals to ease the transition for new converts. This process, called “syncretism,” is likely how pagan elements became associated with Easter. While the name and certain customs may have pre-Christian origins, the resurrection of Christ remains the central reason for Easter in Christian doctrine.

When Did Easter Become Part of Christianity?

Easter has been celebrated by Christians since at least the 2nd century. Early Christians observed it as Pascha (the Greek and Latin word for Passover), highlighting its connection to the Jewish festival and Jesus’ crucifixion during Passover week. Over time, the Church formalized the celebration of Easter, especially after the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, which established a uniform date for Easter across the Christian world.

The focus was always on the resurrection of Jesus, which Christians believe occurred on the third day after His crucifixion. This event is not just a symbol of hope and renewal but the very foundation of Christian faith. Without the resurrection, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

Easter Today: Faith vs. Festivities

Today, Easter has taken on a dual identity. On one side, churches hold sunrise services, Passion plays, and special sermons to reflect on Christ’s victory over death. On the other, stores overflow with candy, pastel decorations, and giant bunny costumes. The modern mainstream celebration often emphasizes fun and family-friendly activities while barely acknowledging the spiritual meaning behind the day.

This disconnect can be troubling for some Christians, who feel that the commercialization and pagan roots have distorted the holy purpose of Easter. Others believe that while some traditions may have secular or pagan origins, they can still be enjoyed as long as the true meaning of Easter, Christ’s resurrection, remains central.

So, Should Christians Celebrate It?

Ultimately, it comes down to personal conviction. Romans 14:5 says, “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”

If you celebrate Easter to honour Christ’s resurrection and reflect on God’s love, then yes, it can be a meaningful and faith-affirming practice.

The key is not the name or the traditions but the heart behind the celebration. Whether you dye eggs with your kids or spend the day in prayer and worship, the focus should always return to Jesus, the risen Saviour.