Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion. According to St. Bede, an English historian of the early 8th century, Easter owes its origin to the old Teutonic mythology. It was derived from the name Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, to whom the month of April was dedicated. The festival of Eostre was celebrated at the vernal equinox, when the day and night gets an equal share of the day. Most scholars like to emphasize the original relation of Easter to the Jewish festival of Passover, or Pesach, which is derived Pasch, another name for Easter. The early Christians, many of whom were of Jewish origin, were brought up in the Hebrew tradition and regarded Easter as a new feature of the Passover festival, a commemoration of the advent of the Messiah as foretold by the prophets.
Though the bible doesn’t mention a fluffy animal who delivers eggs to children on Easter Sunday, the bunny has become the most recognizable symbol of Easter. Another symbol for Easter is the decorated egg. The egg, an ancient symbol of new life, has been associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection.