Tommy Duckett, age 9, of Gallup, N.M., for his question:

WHERE DID THE NAME EASTER COME FROM?

Perhaps the most important holy day in the Christian religion is Easter, the festival that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In most countries, Easter falls in the early spring of the year, just as warm sunshine starts to push aside winter.

The name probably came from Eostre, a Teutonic goddess of spring, although it might also have come from Eostur, a Teutonic festival of spring.

Most Christians celebrate Easter on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Those in the Eastern Orthodox Churches sometimes celebrate it later than other churches do.

The story of Easter is found in the Bible. The day is celebrated with great rejoicing.