Easter is the most important holiday for Christians, celebrated in remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of joyful celebration and feasting on Easter delicacies – following a period of Lenten sacrifice and silence. On the other hand, Easter is also a celebration of the coming of spring and the awakening of new life, which was also cultivated in pagan times. So what is the meaning and origin of Easter? You will find the answers to these questions in our article.

Meaning of the word Easter

The very name "Easter" in Polish indicates the deep meaning of this holiday. In the religious dimension, it means the momentous event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which took place at night. In other Slavic languages, you can also come across the terms: Wielki Dzień or Zmartwychwstanie, which convey the same meaning.

On the other hand, in languages of Germanic origin, the names of Easter, for example in English, Easter, and in German Oster, refer to the pagan celebrations of welcoming spring and new life. These words come from the name Ostara (or Eostre), the Celtic and Old Germanic goddess of spring, rebirth of nature and fertility. A special holiday was associated with this figure, celebrated during the spring equinox, when in a symbolic way light (day) triumphs over darkness (night). Therefore, the first day of spring was the beginning of a period of joy, rebirth of life and reproduction. 

Why is Easter a movable feast?

The date of Easter changes every year, influenced by the phases of the moon. Since the Council of Nicaea in 325, it has always been celebrated on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon, i.e. between March 21 and April 25. Therefore, the date of Easter is also closely linked to the beginning of the astrological spring, as in the tradition of pagan cults.

It is also worth noting that originally, Christians celebrated Easter on the same day as the Jewish holiday of Passover, commemorating the exodus of the Jews from Egypt after the period of captivity. Therefore, in some languages, the name Easter refers directly to the word Pascha – especially in Romance languages, e.g. Pascua in Spanish or Pasqua in Italian. 

Symbols of Easter

Interestingly, not only the date of Easter is connected to old pagan cults, but also almost all the symbolism attributed to them. Starting with the egg, which is an eternal symbol of new life, just like the chicken. On the other hand, the bunny is an ancient symbol of fertility, love and reproduction, which is also an attribute of the aforementioned goddess Ostara. Only the Easter lamb refers directly to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, although here we can also find connections with sacrificial lambs that were offered to pagan gods.

So it turns out that ancient pagan customs and symbols have become deeply rooted in Christian culture and are still practiced today. Why did this happen? Well, when the new religion began to spread around the world, the church did not ban the previous rituals, but gave them new meaning, thanks to which it was easier for the faithful to accept them. Easter was combined with the holiday of saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring, or new life. The end of winter and the arrival of spring were treated as the victory of life and light over death, darkness and sin through the salvation of the Risen Jesus.

Śmigus-dyngus, or wet Monday

We also took the custom of pouring water on Easter Monday from our pagan ancestors. This ritual was associated with the awakening of nature to life and its renewable capacity for vegetation.

Śmigus-dyngus, on the other hand, were initially two separate folk customs. Śmigus meant symbolically beating each other's legs with willow twigs and pouring water on each other. This was intended to cleanse oneself of dirt and various ailments, and later also sin, in spring. Dyngus in Slavic languages was called "włóczebny" and consisted of paying visits to family and neighbors. On this occasion, refreshments were always organized, and one could also count on some donations for the journey.

Easter wishes

On the occasion of the upcoming Easter, from the entire team of our confectionery, we wish you health, good spirits, the warmth of home, as well as the enjoyment of delicious holiday dishes and cakes!