Easter is one of the most misunderstood holidays in all of Christianity, and in this episode Kevin and Ryder break it all down. We cover where the name “Easter” actually comes from (hint: it has nothing to do with Ishtar), the deep connection between Easter and the Jewish Passover, how the date of Easter is calculated using the sun and the moon, and why Catholics are actually supposed to celebrate for 50 days, not just one Sunday. We also get into Easter eggs, the Easter hare, the Easter Vigil tradition, common myths and misconceptions, and close out with an announcement about the next Faithful Fireside book club pick.

Whether you are a lifelong Catholic, a new convert, or just curious about the origins and meaning of Easter, this episode has something for you. We keep it real, keep it fun, and always bring the faith back to everyday life.

#FaithfulFiresidePodcast #EasterCatholic #CatholicFaith #EasterOrigins #CatholicPodcast

0:00 - Welcome and intro

0:28 - Octave of Easter, Easter Friday, and Chili's

2:29 - The "Let's go to Chili's" story and transformational teaching

4:24 - How was your Easter? St. John's Easter morning experience

7:20 - Catholicism is growing and the packed church

9:51 - Transitioning to the Easter topic

10:28 - Easter's connection to Passover and the Old Testament

12:10 - The word Easter and where it comes from

14:02 - Easter as the theological center of Christianity

14:51 - Debunking the Ishtar myth

16:15 - Venerable Bede and the goddess Eostre

18:49 - Easter, the sunrise, and resurrection symbolism

20:06 - The apostles died for it: why the resurrection holds up historically

22:01 - Was Paul's encounter a conversion or an act of obedience?

24:47 - The liturgical season of Easter: 50 days of celebration

26:01 - How American culture has gutted Easter celebration

28:42 - How Easter's date is calculated (sun, moon, equinox)

31:11 - Why Lent changes dates too and liturgical cycles

33:43 - The Liturgy of the Hours and daily prayer cycles

36:03 - The East vs. West Easter date split and the Council of Nicaea

38:11 - How families celebrate Easter

38:44 - Easter eggs and why we use them

39:28 - The Easter bunny: hare vs. rabbit symbolism

41:31 - Easter Vigil: history and tradition

43:31 - Renewing baptismal promises and holy water

44:13 - Common myths and misconceptions about Easter

48:43 - Next book club pick: Mr. Miracle by Tom King

49:29 - Wrap up and goodbye