April 04, 2010

THE PAGAN ROOTS OF EASTER

FROM UK'S GUARDIAN:

From Ishtar to Eostre, the roots of the resurrection story go deep. We should embrace the pagan symbolism of Easter


Easter is a pagan festival. If Easter isn't really about Jesus, then what is it about? Today, we see a secular culture celebrating the spring equinox, whilst religious culture celebrates the resurrection. However, early Christianity made a pragmatic acceptance of ancient pagan practises, most of which we enjoy today at Easter. The general symbolic story of the death of the son (sun) on a cross (the constellation of the Southern Cross) and his rebirth, overcoming the powers of darkness, was a well worn story in the ancient world. There were plenty of parallel, rival resurrected saviours too.

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