Easter's traditions, including the egg and the bunny, have roots in pre-Christian pagan festivals celebrating spring and renewal. The name "Easter" likely originates from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, whose spring feast symbolised new beginnings. Early Christians integrated these existing pagan customs and symbols into the celebration of Christ's resurrection, aiding conversion. The egg, long a symbol of fertility and new life, was reinterpreted to represent Jesus's rising from the tomb. Practices like dyeing eggs red and the folklore of a gift-giving hare laying eggs also have pre-Christian origins and evolved over time. These enduring symbols resonate with themes of renewal and hope, reflecting both natural cycles and human aspirations.

The podcast has an accompanying Blog  Easter - What's with the eggs?