Seeking Truth-Exploring Easter Traditions
Welcome to Turtledove Thoughts. In a world full of loud traditions and bright storefronts, it is easy to lose sight of the narrow path. Today, we are pulling back the veil on one of the most widely accepted religious holidays to see if its foundations align with the Word of our Creator or the decrees of men. It is time to ask: are these traditions bringing us closer to the Father, or are they a costly distraction from the life He intended for us?
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Table of Contents
- Constantine: The Man Who Swapped the Holy for the Solar
- What the Creator Actually Decreed
- Yeshua’s Heart for the Passover
- What Does the Bible Say About Easter?
- Rabbits, Chocolate, and Eggs—Oh My!
- The High Cost of Tradition
- The Sugar Trap: Brain, Body, and Depression
- Call to Action
- A Prayer for Truth
Constantine: The Man Who Swapped the Holy for the Solar
In 321 AD, Emperor Constantine issued a decree that changed the course of history, commanding that "on the venerable Day of the Sun," the people should rest. While many view him as a Christian hero, the historical fruit tells a different story. Constantine was a lifelong devotee of Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun). Even after his "conversion," he continued to mint coins honouring the sun god and topped his victory columns with solar imagery. By merging the worship of the Creator with the traditions of the Sun, he successfully steered the masses away from the biblical calendar and toward a system of man-made tradition.
What the Creator Actually Decreed
Our Father did not leave the timing of our rest or our remembrance to the whims of an emperor. He was specific. Regarding the Sabbath, the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) reminds us:
"Remember the day, Shabbat, to set it apart for God. You have six days to labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Shabbat for Adonai your God…" — Exodus 20:8-10 (CJB)
And concerning the timing of the Passover (Pesach), the decree was for eternity, tied to a specific date—not a wandering Sunday:
"‘These are the designated times of Adonai, the holy convocations that you are to proclaim at their designated times. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, between sundown and complete darkness, comes Pesach for Adonai.’" — Leviticus 23:4-5 (CJB)
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| Comparing the eternal decree of the Biblical Passover with the human traditions of Easter established at the Council of Nicaea. |
Yeshua’s Heart for the Passover
Even Yeshua, our Messiah, made it clear that the Passover was the appointment He desired to keep with His followers. He didn't suggest a new holiday; He sanctified the one already given:
"He said to them, 'I have really wanted so much to eat this Seder with you before I die!'" — Luke 22:15 (CJB)
What Does the Bible Say About Easter?
If you search the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, you will find zero commands to observe "Easter." The word itself is derived from Ishtar or Eostre, names of pagan fertility goddesses. The Bible warns us repeatedly not to worship the Father in the way the nations worship their gods (Deuteronomy 12:4).
Rabbits, Chocolate, and Eggs—Oh My!
How did we get from the blood of the Lamb to marshmallow bunnies? These are ancient symbols of fertility (the rabbit and the egg) that have nothing to do with the resurrection of Yeshua. We have been sold a substitute that replaces the spiritual depth of the Exodus and the sacrifice of Messiah with hollow icons.
The High Cost of Tradition
Observing these customs isn't just "harmless fun"; it takes a toll on our mind, body, soul, and spirit.
The Financial Toll in Canada: Canadians are feeling the pinch of inflation, yet the "tradition" persists. Recent data shows that over 50% of Canadians plan to spend on Easter-related purchases. Average spending is often over $50 per person, with many households spending hundreds on a single weekend. This is money being diverted from the Father's work and into secular pockets.
The Sugar Trap: Brain, Body, and Depression
The average Canadian adult already consumes roughly 85g (20 teaspoons) of sugar daily—far exceeding health recommendations. During Easter, this spikes through chocolate and confectionery.
- Sugar and the Brain: High sugar intake isn't just about weight; it's about your mental health. Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to a 23% increased risk of depression in men. It creates a "vicious cycle" by hijacking the brain's reward system, leading to inflammation and disrupting the hippocampus.
- The "Chocolate Blues": While people often reach for chocolate as a "comfort food," studies show that those suffering from depression often consume significantly more chocolate than those without the disorder, yet find no long-term relief from the symptoms. The temporary "high" is followed by a crash that deepens the spiritual and emotional void.
Call to Action
I was once misled too, and I thoroughly regret every cent and minute I spent propagating that lie. Finally, the scales fell off my eyes. Are you ready to step fully into the life you have been denied by following the traditions of man instead of what Our Father decreed? Stop settling for the counterfeit.
A Prayer for Truth
Father, I am so sorry for what I have done—following the crowd instead of following your commands. Thank you for sending your son to die for me and sending the Holy Spirit—Ruach HaKodesh—to dwell in me and guide me. Open my eyes wide so I may worship You in spirit and in truth. I ask this in the name of Your Son—Yeshua HaMashiach. Amen.
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