Is Easter a pagan holiday?

The roots of Easter are pagan. Many religions have similar celebrations near the vernal equinox built upon the motif of death and resurrection. Life triumphs over death and light triumphs over dark.

The motif of a god dying, and then rising, is traditional in Easter festivities. Greece had Dionysus, the god of wine who was killed, then rose three days later. Christians have Jesus Christ, who was crucified, and resurrected three days later.

Dyed eggs have been used since ancient times to symbolize creation, birth and life. Some ancient cultures believed that the world was hatched from an egg.

The bunny became part of the Easter tradition with the ancient Celts. They used the hare as a symbol of fertility.