Easter: Its Story and Meaning (1950) by Alan Watts

I finished this one maybe 2 weeks ago. It didn’t appeal to me in the same way the other books by what’s did. I’ve read The Wisdom of Insecurity,The Book, and The Way of Zen, so I maybe that’s to be expected. Regardless, I thought it was a quick and interesting read about a major holiday I always considered somewhat inconsequential.

I’ll say that reading this book gave me a new found appreciation of Easter as a celebration of rebirth, i.e., the return of spring. Here are some of the topics explored in the book.

  • Christ-like deities that suffered similar fates.
  • Why eggs?
  • What’s with the bunny?
  • Ancient Christian and Pagan Easter rituals.
  • Easter’s connection to Passover.

Also included are some treats for fans of Watts, including a hand written message to his daughter, and some works of art by the man himself.

Over all I’m happy to have read it. It inspired me to start a few rituals of my own. Namely: Considring eggs laid on Good Friday to be lucky; Starting seeds on Good Friday; Having a fire Easter Eve.