Random thoughts: why "Easter"?

[LocoColt04]

First and foremost, this is not meant to be a religious conversation, but rather, one of etymology.

Common conception is that the word "Easter" comes from the Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess, Eostre, though many agree that there's no real proof of the word's origin. Given many Christian holidays borrow names or themes from Pagan predecessors, this seems reasonable. But what if it's simpler than that?

What if the English word "Easter" from its Anglo roots simply refers to the cardinal direction, east? The sun rises in the east, and Easter is a celebration of the rise of Christ.

Random thoughts.


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[Rowan]

This pretty much sums up everything.







... i just realised... it sums up everything except the answer to your question... or does it?

[Odin1199]

It can also mean dawn or shine and could've been associated with coming of spring. That's why the easter bunny was created because in pagan days it symbolized spring and fertility.