Always wondered what the connection was. Have hear that eggs stand for 'new life' - but I cant see how a dead baby chicken does that?

Any theories?

Easter, like many festivals in the christian calendar was plopped atop an older Pagan one and borrows many of the symbols that are attached to it. In this case the festival was for fertility, hence eggs and rabbits.

Any more proactive Pagans tell us what festival is on the way at Easter, as I've forgotten (I'm a casual Pagan at best!).

I though Easter had officially been changed to celebrate the higher power of hollow chocolate novelties?

The original was (apparently) the rite of Eostar a goddess of fertility hence rabbits (prolific reproduction!) and eggs (new life and common fertility symbol).

Originally posted by feargal
I though Easter had officially been changed to celebrate the higher power of hollow chocolate novelties?

Chocolate provides more comfort to more people than religion I bet.

Probably right there Nick2, maybe if a kitkat and a cup of Cadburys Hi-lights was given at communion, it would be more popular!

by the way, I love your sig!!

Spring Equinox is the original Pagan observance:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/festivals/spring_equinox.shtml

I was always led to believe that the eggs symbolise new life.

As for the Easter bunny,in my own warped mind ,I think the easter bunny looks cuter than the easter chicken!!

What would we do if we wanted to celebrate Pagan style, would it involve an orgy (fingers crossed), and binge drinking of beer (fingers & toes crossed) ?

Originally posted by nick2
What would we do if we wanted to celebrate Pagan style, would it involve an orgy (fingers crossed), and binge drinking of beer (fingers & toes crossed) ? Observance of the equinox itself and a contemplation of the sanctity of nature and the turning of the seasons with an optional offering of insence...followed by an orgy and binge drinking through the night!

Originally posted by Carmine
Observance of the equinox itself and a contemplation of the sanctity of nature and the turning of the seasons with an optional offering of insence...followed by an orgy and binge drinking through the night!

Woot !

Pagans have all the fun!

Hmmm...I'm pagan and don't think I'll be engaging in any orgies! I will be celebrating the spring equinox (Ostara) on Sunday by weeding the garden to get it ready for summer! And might make some easter biscuits ;)

Originally posted by evildrneil
The original was (apparently) the rite of Eostar a goddess of fertility hence rabbits (prolific reproduction!) and eggs (new life and common fertility symbol).

Pedantry again I know but I'm sure the goddess' name was Eostre

Wilf

I told my kids they could have all the chocolate they wanted if they could telll me the connection between jesus and easter eggs. It got them thinking.

Eggs represent new life; Jesus rose from the dead to live again.

Not sure what rabbits have to do with Easter in the Christian sence though, maybe it's a pagan throwback.

Originally posted by leddi
Pagans have all the fun!

yes we do ;) :thumbsup:

heres a link that might explain a couple of things about Ostara.

http://www.witchvox.com/holidays/ostara/ostarahistory.html

i will be planting some seeds and atempting to try and sort my garden out a little bit, just moved house and the garden is a right mess the last people had a bonfire right in the middle and theres a big bald patch :( not to mention the rest of the garden is cluttered with broken glass and alsorts, my poor dog has cut her paw twice :suspect:
ill also be doing a little ritual to help prosperity, peace,& protection grow in my new home. :clap:

Litha

Originally posted by Sidla
Eggs represent new life; Jesus rose from the dead to live again.

Not sure what rabbits have to do with Easter in the Christian sence though, maybe it's a pagan throwback.

The goddess Eostre was said to appear a a hare so that's the pagan connection. But yeah, don't see the Christian connection. Although don't imagine many children today really celebrate the religious side of Easter anyway

Originally posted by Lucy_Smith
Although don't imagine many children today really celebrate the religious side of Easter anyway

Thank God !!

The egg (chocolate) stands for the stone that covered the 'tomb' Jesus' was in

Originally posted by BrainThrust
Pedantry again I know but I'm sure the goddess' name was Eostre


Yes, it's Eostre. I often wonder if it's corruption led to oestrogen. Probably did.

As for the bunnies and eggs? They have about as much relevance as Sir LoveALot on Love day...

Actually the goddess has a number of different names, including Eostre, Eoster, Ostara and a few others.