Where Did the Name Easter Come From?
INSIDE: Discover the true origins of the word Easter, tracing its name and meaning from the Hebrew Passover to modern English.
The name “Easter” often brings to mind springtime celebrations, family gatherings, and the message of Christ’s resurrection. But where did this name come from, and how is it connected to the biblical story of Passover? Let’s trace its fascinating history, starting with its Hebrew origins and moving through the ages to our modern observances.
The Hebrew Roots: Passover
The celebration of Easter has its beginnings in the Jewish feast of Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew. Passover commemorates God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In the biblical narrative, the blood of a lamb painted on the doorposts of Israelite homes protected them from the final plague. This imagery would later hold deep significance in Christianity, as Jesus became known as the “Lamb of God” whose sacrifice brings salvation.
Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples during the Last Supper, the evening before His crucifixion. This event, recorded in all four Gospels, forms the foundation for the Christian observance of Easter. Early Christians celebrated Jesus’ resurrection during the Passover season, highlighting its fulfillment in His victory over sin and death.
Ancient References to Christians Celebrating Passover
Early Christian communities continued to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection in conjunction with Passover. Church fathers such as Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, upheld the tradition of observing Pascha on the 14th day of Nisan, the same date as the Jewish Passover. This practice, known as Quartodecimanism, emphasized the direct connection between Christ’s sacrifice and the original Passover.
In the second century, debates arose within the church regarding the proper date for celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. Some Christians preferred to keep the celebration aligned with Passover, while others, particularly in Rome, sought to establish a separate observance on the Sunday following Passover. Eventually, the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) formalized Easter’s date as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, further distinguishing it from the Jewish calendar.
The Transition to Greek and Latin
As Christianity spread, the early church adopted the Greek word Pascha (Πάσχα), derived directly from the Hebrew “Pesach.” This term emphasized the connection between Jesus’ death and resurrection and the Passover lamb.
When Christianity became and established religion within the Roman Empire, Latin became the dominant language of the church. The term “Pascha” remained, and it continues to be the word used for Easter in many languages today, including Spanish (“Pascua”), Italian (“Pasqua”), and French (“Pâques”).
Old English Influences: The Emergence of “Easter”
The name “Easter” as we know it today emerged in the early medieval period in Anglo-Saxon England. The Venerable Bede, an 8th-century monk and historian, wrote that the name “Easter” likely came from “Eostre” or “Éostre,” a month in the old English calendar that roughly corresponds to April.
Despite the linguistic shift, the connection to Passover and the resurrection of Jesus remained central to the Christian celebration. The name may have changed, but the focus on Christ’s redemptive work has remained the same through the millennia.
Modern-Day Languages and “Easter”
Interestingly, English and German (“Ostern”) are among the few languages that use a term derived from “Eostre” for Easter. Most other languages retain a form of “Pascha,” maintaining the link to Passover and its deep biblical roots.
The Celebration’s True Meaning
While the name “Easter” has evolved through languages and cultures, the heart of the celebration remains unchanged. It’s a time to reflect on Jesus’ death and triumph over the grave, fulfilling the promises of Passover and bringing new life to all who trust and believe.
Understanding the journey of this name reminds us of the unbroken thread between the Old and New Testaments, from the lamb of Passover to the risen Messiah. Reminding us that we were once bound in sin, but Jesus has delivered us into new life in Him.
This Easter, let’s celebrate the deeper meaning behind the name—a story of deliverance, redemption, and hope. It is our story for such a time as this!
