Share what you know about Easter, its traditions, symbolism, history, etc.

My limited understanding is that it's a spring festival, celebrating resurrection/new life

There is a Germanic spring-goddess called Ôstara (in Old High German) and Ēastre (in Old English). I believe this has a Proto-Indo-European link to 'Aurora' and hence a connection between spring and dawn, both of which are times of new life and of brightening.

I might revisit this thread as I learn more over the weekend, until then tell me eveything you know!

  • Ithorian [comrade/them, he/him]
    hexbear
    4
    edit-2
    3 months ago

    Ostara, the name of the holiday we actually celebrated, is on the equinox, Easter stole a ton of traditions but slightly changed the day.

    It's a celebration of spring, new life and fertility. Eggs and rabbits are both symbols of fertility hence their co-option into Easter. The history of Ostara herself is really interesting as you can actually trace her beginnings back Ishtar, one of humanity's easiest known deities.