The word Easter in English is rooted in the name of the Goddess “Eostre”. However, it may surprise you to know that in most other languages the holiday’s name is actually derived from Pesach, the Hebrew word for Passover. Passover is the Jewish holiday to which Easter is linked.

 

It is interesting to examine the link between these 2 festivals that continues until today, especially in light of the fact that Jesus was, after all, a faithful Jew.

 

There are connections in the meals that are eaten at the Easter lunch and at the Passover Seder. Lamb is often the meat of choice at both dinner tables, and the Passover Seder plate features a hard boiled egg.

 

Eggs are an excellent source of high quality protein and choline, a vitamin essential for memory. In addition, recent studies have shown that they do not necessarily elevate blood cholesterol levels.

Almonds and nuts are also presents given for Easter and a part of the traditional Passover dinner dish, called "Haroset". These are wonderful sources of unsaturated fats, shown to reduce the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids found in many types of nuts reduce the risk of heart disease because they make the blood less sticky and prevent clots.

In addition, nuts are considered as "brain food" in many cultures, and therefore are wonderful for school and college students before they head back to school.

 

Also, it is interesting that both holidays found a way of making people shed those extra pounds after dinner. Easter egg hunting is traditional on Easter Sunday and certainly gets the whole family outdoors for a walk and fresh air.

 

During the Passover dinner it is costumed to hide a slice of the matza bread, and call it "aficoman". Then the young children indulge themselves in seeking the aficoman which nowadays is usually a gift of money.

 

The simple act of gathering around the table for food and conversation is tradition and transcends all faiths and religions. Both of these feasts recognize that all things come from God – light, bread, wine and freedom.

 

The spirit of the feasts is similar too. For Jewish people, the Passover Seder is eaten in the spirit of thanksgiving and blessing and is a celebration of their freedom from oppression. For Christians, it is a remembrance and celebration of man’s redemption from the effects of sin, by Christ’s resurrection.

 

Some Christians view the story of Passover as a rehearsal for “Christian Passover”. The lamb of God is sacrificed (the cross) and eaten (the last supper).

 

Preparations for the two festivals have similarities. A hefty spring clean usually takes place before both Passover and Easter. Hospitality abounds in homes of Jews and Christians at this time of year. And both communities involve all the family in the traditions and rituals surrounding the festivals.

 

These spring time festivals are a wonderful way to celebrate  both the similarities and differences between different cultures, and enjoy the new life all around us.