What are the origins and history of Easter?

Origins of Easter in Biblical Accounts

Easter traces its origins to the central event recorded in the New Testament: the resurrection of Jesus Christ after His crucifixion. According to the Gospels, this event took place around the Jewish festival of Passover (Matthew 26–28, Mark 14–16, Luke 22–24, John 18–20). The burial and resurrection of Jesus are foundational to Christian faith, summarized in the statement: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6). The Apostle Paul, writing in the mid-first century, emphasizes the importance of the resurrection as the core of the gospel message: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

Early Christians observed the commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection with great significance. The biblical accounts demonstrate the resurrection as a literal, historical event, consistently affirmed from the earliest manuscripts. This conviction empowered the apostles to spread the gospel worldwide despite significant persecution, highlighting the profound impact that the event, later recognized as “Easter,” has had on Christian life and worship.

The Jewish Passover Connection

The timing of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection coincided with Passover (Exodus 12), the feast commemorating Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The Gospel accounts note that Jesus was crucified around the time the Passover lambs were being prepared, linking His sacrificial death to the lamb of Passover.

The New Testament underscores this theological connection: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Early Christians saw the parallel between the Passover blood protecting the Israelites and the redeeming blood of Christ covering humanity’s sins. It is this Passover context that shaped the first believers’ observance of what we now call Easter.

Historical Development in the Early Church

In the first and second centuries AD, believers primarily used the Greek term “Pascha” (πάσχα) to denote the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Writings from Church Fathers (e.g., Polycarp, who was a disciple of the Apostle John; and Irenaeus) provide evidence of the widespread observance of the resurrection. They focused on two inseparable elements: the commemoration of Christ’s victory over death and the accompanying theological significance of deliverance from sin.

By the time of the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), leaders in the early Christian communities sought to standardize a uniform date for celebrating the resurrection. The council decreed that Easter (Pascha) would be observed on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, ensuring a common date across all churches.

The Etymology of “Easter”

While the biblical celebration is often referred to as “Pascha,” the English term “Easter” has a separate linguistic origin. Some have proposed that “Easter” comes from the Anglo-Saxon month Ēosturmōnaþ, named after an ancient Germanic spring festival. However, this etymology does not alter the fundamentally Christian roots and meaning of the holiday.

Early English Christians continued to observe the day of Christ’s resurrection as set by the broader Church, simply using a term from their own language. Despite debate over the linguistic roots of “Easter,” the historical practice remained focused on commemorating the empty tomb and the risen Christ, as seen in biblical texts and early Church writings.

Dating and Church Councils

For centuries, one challenge was determining the exact date of celebration. The Council of Nicaea’s decision attempted to unify Christians worldwide. Even so, controversies persisted, especially regarding whether to rely on the Jewish lunar calendar or a separate calculation. Ultimately, Western and Eastern branches of the Church have taken slightly different approaches, leading to Easter dates that can vary each year.

Despite these differences, the core belief remains that believers gather to honor the resurrection of Christ. The theological focus rests firmly on the finished work of salvation accomplished through His death and resurrection (Romans 10:9).

Archaeological and Historical Corroborations

Archaeological findings, including early Christian inscriptions and burial records, show evidence of a widespread belief in the resurrection dating to the earliest generations of the Church. Scholars investigating ancient manuscripts—from fragments of the Gospel accounts to early Church writings—consistently observe a uniform testimony of Jesus’ death and bodily resurrection.

Some argue that cultural celebrations like spring festivals merged with the Christian holy day over time. This has led to certain traditions that are extrabiblical, such as colorful eggs or baskets. Nevertheless, historically verifiable records, including those of early Roman and Jewish historians (e.g., Tacitus, Josephus), reinforce the conclusion that Jesus was indeed crucified under Pontius Pilate and that His followers proclaimed His resurrection soon after. These testimonies align with the biblical narrative and help support the reliability of Scripture.

Modern Practices and Meaning

Today, Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) is observed by many households and church traditions through diverse cultural customs. At the heart of these practices, however, is a remembrance of Christ’s triumph over death. Christians gather in services to worship, reflect, and proclaim that the tomb was found empty on the third day.

Hymns and readings from the Gospels frame the event as the defining moment in Christian faith, connecting the believer to Christ’s victory and affirming hope in eternal life. Modern approaches may also include sunrise services, symbolizing the dawn when the resurrection was first discovered (Luke 24:1).

Conclusion

Easter’s biblical origins are entwined with the Passover calendar, anchored in the resurrection of Christ as recorded in the New Testament. Early Christian communities preserved this celebration, mindful of its life-changing implications. Church councils standardized its timing, ensuring unity of observance, even if certain cultural and linguistic influences later contributed additional layers of tradition.

Despite variations in how Easter is practiced around the world, it consistently remains a proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus—an event central to Christian belief and transformative for those who receive it. In every language, custom, and context, the essence of Easter can be traced back to the angel’s declaration at the tomb: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6).