Why Jehovah Witnesses Do Not Celebrate Easter: Understanding the Religious Beliefs Behind the Decision

Jehovah Witnesses are a religious group that is known for their distinctive beliefs and practices. One of the most notable differences between Jehovah’s Witnesses and other Christian denominations is their refusal to celebrate certain holidays, including Easter. In this post, we will explore some of the reasons why Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Easter.

The origins of Easter
One of the primary reasons why Jehovah Witnesses do not celebrate Easter is because of its pagan origins. Easter is derived from the word “Eostre,” the name of an ancient pagan goddess of fertility. The holiday has its roots in the spring equinox celebrations of ancient cultures, which marked the rebirth of nature and the renewal of life. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, celebrating a holiday with pagan origins goes against their belief in worshiping only one God.

The focus on the resurrection
Another reason why Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Easter is that they believe the focus of the holiday is misplaced. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus died on a Friday and was resurrected on a Sunday, but they argue that the exact date of his resurrection is not important. Instead, they believe that the more important focus should be on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and its role in providing salvation for humankind.

The commercialization of Easter
Jehovah’s Witnesses also object to the commercialization of Easter. They believe that many of the traditions associated with Easter, such as the Easter bunny and Easter eggs, have become overly commercialized and have lost their religious significance. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, the true meaning of Easter should not be overshadowed by consumerism and materialism.

The celebration of Christ’s death
Instead of celebrating Easter, Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Memorial of Christ’s Death. This is a commemoration of the Last Supper, which Jehovah’s Witnesses believe was the institution of the Lord’s Evening Meal. The Memorial is observed once a year, on the anniversary of the Last Supper, and it is a solemn occasion that is meant to honor the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Easter for a variety of reasons. They believe that the holiday has pagan origins, that the focus is misplaced, that it has become overly commercialized, and that the true meaning of the holiday has been lost. Instead, Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Memorial of Christ’s Death as a solemn commemoration of Jesus’ sacrifice. While the decision not to celebrate Easter may be unusual to some, it is an important aspect of the religious beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses.