WHY GALLED "EASTER."

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 775, 26 March 1910, Page 9

WHY GALLED "EASTER."

We are told that tho word Easter is derived from- "Eostre," . the AngloSaxon goddess of spring, to whom tho fourth month, corresponding; .with tho. present April, and called "Easter monath," was. dedicated;;;'; I .BeuV says,' "this month .was the same as the' Mentis. Paschalis,' when the'old festival was observed 'with .tho gladness of a hoiv" solemnity'.". 'The, early Christians came, from or were ■ closely connected with the Jewish-.Church, ;and naturally continued to observe its festivals in commemoration of events, although ill a.ne,w spirit. Therefore tho, Passover, ennobled and made moTe' sacred by the thought of Christ as the true Paschal Lamb, tho first, fruits of the dead," was still-celebrated,, and finally ~ became the Christian ■ Easter. It is well-known that from the most remote 'ages: all nations, have welcomed ■.with, festivities' the' awakening of. Naturo from winter's'long'sleep. It is supposed that by combining these with those of the Jewish Passover, given a new significance by the Risen' Christ,' the glorious' and beautfiul festival of Easter was established. It is written of the Saxons that after their conversion to-.Christianity; when observing' the customs of the spring-time, they no,longer greeted. ; each other with "Eostre hath awakened," as of old, but with'the even: more joyful message "The Lord hath risen." ■ Nature's resurrection at this, time is very beautiful, ©very bud, leaf, and blossom lifting itself from mother earth.- as if in praise of the Risen Saviour. •■ Exquisitely the poet : sings:— .. Oh, littlo green things growing, I hoar the. first faint stirring Of roots'beneath tho dark mould that.

hides tho plants from' sight; They know that spring is-coming, they' hear the bird-wings whirring, And,; every one yearns upward toward the warm light.