Mixing Resurrection With Pagan Roots

Should Believers Avoid Mixing Easter Traditions with Pagan Roots?

The connection between Easter and certain pagan traditions raises an important question for followers of YHWH: Should we distance ourselves from practices that have origins outside of biblical faith? Let’s examine the roots of Easter and how these traditions align—or conflict—with worship of the Most High.

The Origin of “Easter”

The term "Easter" is often linked to “Ēostre,” an Anglo-Saxon goddess associated with spring and fertility. This claim comes from the writings of the 8th-century monk Bede, who explained that April was called "Ēosturmōnaþ" in Anglo-Saxon England, supposedly named after her. However, this is the only historical reference to Ēostre, leaving some scholars to question whether she was widely recognized or simply a local figure.

The linguistic roots of “Easter” trace back to the Proto-Indo-European word h₂éwsōs, meaning "dawn." This root is also connected to other dawn deities, like the Greek goddess Eos and the Roman goddess Aurora. While these connections exist, the core of the biblical celebration—the resurrection of YHWShA the Messiah—has no ties to these ancient myths.

How Pagan Elements Entered Easter

As the faith of YHWH spread through Europe, it encountered entrenched cultural traditions tied to seasonal festivals. To facilitate conversions, early leaders sometimes adapted local customs, giving them new meaning within a scriptural framework. For instance, symbols like eggs, originally fertility icons, were reinterpreted as representing the empty tomb and new life in YHWShA.

However, this blending of practices often blurred the lines between biblical worship and cultural influences. This raises concerns about whether believers should continue to include such elements in their observances today.

Remaining Faithful to YHWH

The Scriptures warn against adopting pagan customs. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 instructs the people of YHWH not to inquire about how other nations worship their gods or to imitate their practices:

"Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them... and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.'"

Similarly, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 calls for separation from anything that compromises holiness:

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"

For followers of the Most High, this creates a challenge: Do traditions like the Easter bunny and egg hunts distract from the true purpose of celebrating the resurrection of YHWShA the Messiah? While some might view these as harmless or redefined with new meanings, others may see them as a dilution of faith.

A Call to Reflect on Worship

Easter, at its core, is about celebrating YHWShA's victory over sin and death. It’s an opportunity to reflect on whether the traditions we follow draw us closer to YHWH or distract from His truth.

Here are a few ways to keep the focus on the Most High:

1. Teach Scriptural Foundations: Use the occasion to share the significance of Jesus (YHWShA)’s death and resurrection, grounding the celebration in the Torah and Prophets.

2. Reconsider Traditions: Minimize or replace customs with pagan origins, ensuring that practices point directly to YHWH’s plan of redemption.

3. Celebrate with Purpose: Incorporate activities that honor the themes of freedom, salvation, and renewal, such as reading Scripture, worship, or acts of kindness.

Choosing Holiness Over Tradition

As followers of YHWH, we are called to examine whether the customs we embrace align with His Word. While cultural practices evolve, our worship must remain rooted in the commands of the Most High. By prioritizing the biblical meaning of YHWShA’s resurrection, we honor YHWH’s call to worship Him in spirit and truth.

Let this season be one of reflection and commitment, as we seek to glorify YHWH and celebrate the work of the Messiah in ways that are pure and set apart.