Short answer is "No", the celebration of Easter in the Catholic Church is not pagan. The Catholic Church celebrates Easter as the most important Christian holiday, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. While there are some similarities between Easter and some pagan festivals that were celebrated around the same time of year, there is no evidence to suggest that the Catholic Church borrowed its celebration of Easter from pagan sources.
The origins of the word "Easter" are uncertain, but it is likely that it comes from the Old English word "Ä“astre," which was the name of a pagan festival celebrating the spring equinox. However, the Christian celebration of Easter has its roots in the Jewish festival of Passover, which commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. According to the Gospels, Jesus was crucified during the Jewish festival of Passover, and his resurrection occurred three days later, which is why the Christian celebration of Easter is linked to Passover.
Furthermore, the Catholic Church's celebration of Easter was established in the early centuries of Christianity, long before the influence of any pagan festivals. The Council of Nicaea, held in AD 325, established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, which was based on the lunar calendar used in Jewish trtradition.
While there are some similarities between Easter and some pagan festivals, the Catholic Church's celebration of Easter is not pagan in origin. The origins of the Christian celebration of Easter can be traced back to the Jewish festival of Passover, and it was established by the early Christian Church long before the influence of any pagan sources.
References:
"Easter." New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05224d.htm
McGrath, A. E. (2013). Christian theology: An introduction. John Wiley & Sons.
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