New Medieval Books: Easter - Medievalists.net
Briefly

Richard Sermon's book examines the contested history of Easter, illustrating how it connects to both Christian and pagan traditions. He argues against neopagan assertions that early Christians adopted the name or symbols associated with a supposed Anglo-Saxon goddess. Instead, Sermon posits that the name 'Easter' likely comes from a misinterpretation rather than a direct appropriation. The book serves as a resource for those interested in early medieval religious developments and highlights interactions between diverse faiths. Sermon aims to clarify misconceptions regarding Easter's origins and its historical significance.
The fallacy of neopagan claims regarding Easter's origins is presented, emphasizing early Christians did not adopt the festival from an Anglo-Saxon goddess.
This book offers a thorough examination of the interaction between Christianity and paganism during the early medieval period, making it useful for scholars.
Sermon highlights that Bede, a Christian historian, likely did not fabricate the concept of a pagan goddess to rationalize the name 'Easter'.
Easter's history is steeped in controversy, revealing deep connections between pagan practices and Christian traditions that warrant further scholarly exploration.
Read at Medievalists.net
[
|
]