In this sermonette on Easter-Origins and Implications, Richard Ritenbaugh reveals that the only biblical reference to Easter (Acts 12:4) is spurious, a mistranslation of Passover. God's apostles and disciples faithfully kept the biblically defined and outlined Holy Days, including the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, but never incorporated the paraphernalia of rank Paganism. The name Easter was derived from the Assyrian fertility goddess Ishtar commemorating the annual spring equinox, marking the rebirth of vegetation. The sermonette investigates the origins of hot-crossed buns, Easter eggs, the Easter bunny, Easter fire, and other bizarre customs.

Astarte Babylonian mystery religions Catholic Encyclopedia Days of unleavened bread Easter Easter Eggs Ham Pagan origins Passover Peter Polish legends Sunrise Service Teutonic goddess Virgin Mary