Is Easter a Christian Holiday?

San Francisco, California USA – WEBWIRE – Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Easter is right around the corner and we are inundated with Easter bunnies, chicks, chocolates, decorated eggs, etc.

What is the origin & meaning of Easter?
Why do people celebrate it?
Is Easter a Christian holiday?

Origin of Easter
The origin of the word “Easter” is derived from Eastre, who is the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. The celebration of Easter originated from the ancient Saxon spring festival called Ostern which was a pagan celebration of rebirth and renewal. The Easter Bunny also originated from the Saxons, who decorated their villages with wooden rabbits. The distribution of brightly coloured eggs in the spring was a custom in the Middle East where the egg symbolised rebirth.

For the first three centuries, of its history the Christian Church celebrated the remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection with the Jewish observance of Passover. But when the missionaries converted the Saxons to Christianity, the pagan Easter holiday coincided with the traditional Christian memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection. Gradually the pagan celebration of Easter was merged with the Christian memorial of Passover to the current holiday of Easter.

The true meaning of Easter
The true meaning of Easter is Jesus’s victory over death; because Christ’s glorious resurrection, furnished irrefutable proof that He was indeed the Son of God since He has conquered death. Today, Easter is celebrated by Christians as a time of hope and assurance because it signifies humanity’s turning point from destruction to salvation.

Is Easter a Christian holiday?
Some Christians disassociate themselves from Easter due to chocolate eggs and bunnies etc. due to their pagan connotations. Therefore some Christian churches refer to Easter Sunday as Resurrection Day. Regardless of one’s preference to refer to the holiday as Resurrection Day or Easter; it is not the name that determines the importance of the holiday but rather how it is celebrated. Do you celebrate Easter as a solemn Christian holiday in remembrance of God the Father giving us His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins? Or do you merely view Easter as the advent of spring?

About Monita Dukhia:
Monita Dukhia is an accomplished scientist, sought after global speaker, author and theologian. Having worked for decades on six of the seven continents in the scientific and ministerial capacities equips Dukhia with an inimitable perspective to discuss the theological and moral issues gripping the globe in these endtimes. Monita is the author of two books, “The Return of the King” (www.returnoftheking.net) and “Out of the Miry Clay” (www.outofthemiryclay.net). She is the founder and Senior Pastor of The Lion of Judah Ministries (LOJM) (www.thelionofjudahministries.com).

Media Availability and Booking Contact:
Monita is available immediately – nationwide for radio, print, and television interviews to discuss the meaning of Easter. To book interviews with Monita, you can contact her directly at 415-350-9536 or at monitadukhia@comcast.net