Bunnies, Eggs, and Ancient Math: The Real History of Easter

Bunnies, Eggs, and Ancient Math: The Real History of Easter

From Midnight Facts for Insomniacs by Shane Rogers

March 26, 2026 · 44 min · Episode 366

About this episode

Shane and Duncan explore the contentious history of Easter, debunking myths and revealing ancient traditions.

The internet will tell you Easter was stolen from a pagan goddess. The internet is wrong. Join Shane and Duncan as they crack open the strange, surprisingly contentious history of Easter. What starts with a 2nd-century church dispute over calendar math spirals into centuries of tradition, myth, and misinformation, touching on ancient lunar formulas, Roman torture devices, Lenten food rules that accidentally created a worldwide egg hunt, and global celebrations that make an American Easter look downright boring. From sacred arguments over celebration dates to global celebrations involving whips, water, and criminal effigies, this one gets weird fast. ~Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show on PATREON and unlock exclusive bonus content.~Join the community, chat with fellow insomniacs, and vote on episode topics via DISCORD~Send Shane and Duncan a message at midnightfactsforinsomniacs@gmail.com~Rep the show! Grab a tee or mug at the MIDNIGHT MERCH store and spread the word.~Follow us on INSTAGRAM

People in this episode

Host: Shane

Guest: Duncan

Topics covered

  • Easter history
  • pagan traditions
  • calendar disputes
  • ancient math
  • global celebrations
  • myth and misinformation

Keywords

  • Easter
  • pagan goddess
  • calendar math
  • Lenten food rules
  • global celebrations
  • myth
  • tradition

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Easter

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