Reply #351: That's not entirely true. [View All]

[RevCheesehead]

There are connections to pagan practices, and the "choices" made by the Church as to when to observe them do coincide with pagan holidays.

In early Christian worship, Sunday (the day following the sabbath) was named as "the Day of Resurrection" or "the Lord's Day." They would gather at night, in secret (for fear of persecution) and celebrate a common meal together. It is believed by some that this gathering is where the symbol of the icthys (sp?), the Christian fish, originated.

As Christianity became more stable after the fall of Rome, they began to find liturgical patterns throughout the year. While every Sunday, in a sense, was still "a little Easter," Christians began to mark the passage of time by following Biblical (gospel) history. This was rather tricky, since the four gospels have varying accounts as to the chronology of events.

Once the church had status (was "institutionalized"), the dating of the Holy Days (which is where "holiday" comes from) became more fixed. These details were part of the discussions of the seven ecumenical councils of the 4th and 5th centuries.

The Christian celebration of Easter is observed in part, on the lunar calendar, and recognition of the vernal equinox. It usually, but not always, coincides with Passover - to jibe with their interpretation of biblical events. It should also be noted that the Eastern and the Western churches are not in agreement on the dating of Easter. (that in itself is a very long discussion, which I will side-step. ;) )