Easter

Although in Christian countries Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection and ascension into heaven of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the origins of some of the customs are pagan in origin and have nothing to do with Christianity.

The name Easter is thought to come from the Scandinavian Ostra and the Teutonic Eastre both Goddesses of mythology, signifying spring and fertility, whose festival was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox.

Some traditions associated with the festival remain, such as the Easter Bunny, a symbol of fertility, and coloured Easter eggs, originally painted brightly to represent the sunlight of spring.