I was listening to the radio on the way to the zoo. (Where we visited all of our furry friends. Did you know that four children can amuse themselves by watching a single prairie dog hang out in his cage for twenty minutes?) Anyway, the radio talk show host was discussing how his greeting of “Happy Easter” received a horrified response from a woman who said the word Easter has pagan roots and he should change his greeting to “Happy Resurrection Day.”

Photo: SXC/M Nota

He did some research and discovered that Easter’s root word, East, comes from the rising of the sun. So, who’s right?

I used dictionary.com to check eight dictionaries at once. (I love that thing.) Looks like they are both probably right. The holiday we celebrate as Easter, as well as an ancient pagan holiday to celebrate a Spring goddess called Eastre, Eostre, or Ester, are both held around the same time of year and both have strong ties to the word East.

Will you be changing your Sunday greeting to Happy Resurrection Day or will you be sticking with the traditional Easter? And if you change it, will you be getting rid of sunrise services and Easter eggs?

Today is not your typical Sunday. It’s Easter Sunday. Kids are quite psyched about easter egg hunts, chocolate eggs and bunnies, and the whole kiddie festivities that may have been schedule within the home or some community thing. Adults are occupying themselves to making it a fun day, great excuse to get together with other parents and family.

I came back from a weekend at the beach with my boyfriends family. We live in a somewhat religious country wherein, the Holy Week is declared a holiday. Majority of the population spend their day celebrating the risen Christ by attending masses, virgils and others, street festivities which involves the entire community. Yea, no easter bunnies here.

As per custom, it’s rather normal to spend it with family than with let’s say someone we’re dating. The day isn’t really meant for romance. It’s all about celebrating a different sort of love and relationship. We’re talking about God and Jesus Christ and his ultimate act of love. Sacrificing self for love of the world.

We can’t really expect mere humans to mimick such rendered love. But I reckon that’s where our relationship with God steps in. We strive to achieve a likeness. To pattern the way we love others with how He loves us. Big shoes to fill, I know. But He assures that He’ll be there every step of the way.

I guess, these thoughts are triggered with this season of remembrance. I feel so small and petty in comparison. It made me realise just how much more I am capable of giving if only I think about Him and His love for me. Without His love, I wouldn’t be capable of loving at all.

This is a personal belief that I simply wish to share. I hope you guys have a meaningful day! Happy Easter!