Is “Easter” in the Bible? Should Christians Celebrate It?

Many believers are shocked to discover that the word “Easter” is not found anywhere in the Bible—at least not in its original meaning. In fact, the only word consistently used throughout Scripture is “Passover” (Hebrew: Pesach, Greek: Pascha)—a solemn and sacred feast established by God Himself.

So where did the term “Easter” come from, and should Christians observe it?

The Origins of the Word “Easter”

The term “Easter” does not come from the Bible—it has pagan roots. According to several historical sources, the name traces back to a Saxon fertility goddess named Ēostre (or Ostara), who was worshipped in ancient northern Europe. She was associated with springtime, fertility, and the sunrise—symbols of new life and rebirth.

The word “east”—from which “Easter” is derived—refers to the direction where the sun rises, which was considered sacred in pagan worship. Temples and altars were often built facing the east, as worshippers believed this direction was the source of blessing and new beginnings.

Pagans honored this goddess during the spring equinox, around March–April, offering sacrifices, engaging in fertility rituals, and celebrating with feasts and dancing. This period often overlapped with Jewish Passover—which is deeply biblical and sacred in origin.

How Paganism Mixed with Christianity

As Christianity spread through Europe, early church leaders were faced with pagan cultures that had deeply rooted traditions. Instead of removing those traditions completely, some chose to merge them with Christian truths in hopes of easier conversion.

One of the results of this compromise was the blending of the resurrection of Jesus with the fertility celebrations of Easter. Over time, the resurrection Sunday began to be called “Easter,” and customs such as Easter eggs and bunnies—symbols of fertility—crept into Christian observance, despite having no biblical foundation whatsoever.

The Biblical Foundation: The Resurrection, Not Easter

As Christians, our focus is not on seasonal festivals, eggs, or rabbits, but on the historical, powerful event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This event is the foundation of our faith. Paul writes:

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:17

The resurrection is what proved Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4), and what gives us hope for eternal life.

The early Church didn’t call it “Easter.” They referred to it simply as “the Lord’s Day”, particularly the Sunday after Passover, and they gathered to worship, break bread, and remember the risen Savior (Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10).

What’s the Problem with Celebrating “Easter”?

It’s not wrong to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus—in fact, it’s vital. The danger lies in:

1. Using pagan traditions to honor a holy event

2. Misrepresenting the resurrection with worldly behavior

3. Turning a spiritual remembrance into a cultural holiday

When Christians celebrate the resurrection like the world celebrates Easter—with drunkenness, sensual dancing, feasting for pleasure, or Easter bunnies—we risk dishonoring Christ and aligning with a spirit that contradicts the gospel.

Paul warns us:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2

How Should Christians Celebrate the Resurrection?

We must separate biblical truth from cultural noise. Whether or not the world calls it “Easter,” we must reclaim it as Resurrection Sunday—a day to:

• Worship with reverence and joy

• Reflect on the power of the resurrection in our lives

• Renew our walk with Christ

• Share the hope of the gospel with others

• Live in the power of the risen Savior every day

The celebration should be spiritual, holy, and centered on Christ—not on ancient rituals or cultural trends.

Names Don’t Define Us—Truth Does

Some may argue, “It’s just a name—we’re celebrating Jesus.” And that’s partly true. We don’t worship the name “Easter”—we worship the risen Christ.

Even if the world has corrupted the meaning, Christians can still gather on Resurrection Sunday, as long as the focus is on Jesus and not on the customs that come from paganism.

Think of it this way: even your birthday might fall on a date that pagans once celebrated something evil. That doesn’t mean your birthday is evil. What matters is what you do with that day.

Final Thoughts: A Holy Day, Not a Holiday

Let’s not be careless with the most sacred moment in Christian history. If we’re going to celebrate the resurrection, let us do so with purity, purpose, and passion.

If we feast, let it be on the Word of God.
If we gather, let it be around the presence of Christ.
If we rejoice, let it be because death has been defeated!

Reject the pagan “Easter” spirit. Embrace the Resurrected Christ.

Summary

• The word “Easter” has pagan origins and is not found in the Bible.

• The biblical celebration is Passover, which points to Jesus, our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

• The resurrection should be honored, not with worldly customs, but with holy worship.

• Christians may observe the day, but not in the spirit of the world—only in the Spirit of Christ.

“Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us—let us keep the feast… with sincerity and truth.”
— 1 Corinthians 5:7–8

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