The word “Eastre” is a very old word that originally meant “spring”. Jesus rose from the dead in the spring, so the first Christians called the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection “Eastre”. The spelling was later changed to “Easter”.
Easter Bunny, Easter Eggs, Easter Baskets, Easter clothes—Rabbits are very fruitful (they have a lot of babies). So, rabbits are symbols of life. Eggs look like rocks on the outside, but they hold life on the inside. So, eggs are a symbol of Jesus’ tomb. In Bible times, baskets were used to gather eggs. Easter clothes are usually new and white or pastel colored. So, the clothes are also a symbol of a new life.
The Bible says Jesus rose from the dead:
３十字架刑のあと、四十日にわたって、イエスは何度も使徒たちに姿を現わされました。自分が、まぎれもなくイエスであることを、さまざまな方法で証明なさったのです。またそのつど、神の国のこともお話しになりました。イエスの昇天 (Acts 1:3)
The Bible says if we trust Jesus, we will have everlasting life:
１６実に神は、ひとり子をさえ惜しまず与えるほどに、世を愛してくださいました。それは、神の御子を信じる者が、だれ一人滅びず、永遠のいのちを得るためです。 (John 3:16)
Jesus said he came to give us life to the fullest:
しかしわたしが来たのは、いのちを、あふれるほど豊かに与えるためです。(John 10:10)
The cross is a symbol of crucifixion. The first Christians decided to use the cross as a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ. Now, the cross is a year-round symbol of the Christian faith. Just like Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny has become the commercialized symbol of Easter. Christians prefer to use the cross as the symbol of Easter.
Rules for determining the date of Easter:
1. Easter must be on a Sunday.
2. Easter must be on the 1st Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (March 21). This full moon is called the Pashal Full Moon. (Pashal is the Hebrew word for Passover. Jesus was betrayed during the Passover Feast.)
3. Easter must be between March 21 and April 15th.
