Origins of The Easter Bunny

Easter is fast approaching and for many it means a time for family, sweets and a visit from a large white rabbit. The Christian Easter holiday celebrates Christ rising from the dead three days after he was crucified. So, how did rabbits become associated with this holy holiday? Hares do not play a role in Christianity, nor are they mentioned in the Easter story.

In the ancient world, rabbits were a symbol of fertility. In fact, some believed that the rabbit had powers to help people reproduce. The idea of a lucky rabbit's foot even goes back to traditions surrounding fertility. The rabbit also featured prominently in pagan spring festivals. Spring was seen as a time to replenish and renew, as well as a time for birth and rebirth.

A further example of these ancient beliefs linking rabbits with regeneration is demonstrated in Northern Europe, by the goddess of fertility Eostre (whose name is thought to be the source for the word, "Easter".) Eostre's friend and pet is none other than a hare! Legend has it that Eostre carried her pet into the heavens and created the constellation Lepur the Hare. Eostre supposedly even gave Lepur the ability to lay eggs once a year.

It is unknown when rabbits first became a major part of the Christian Easter celebration. The first written mention of the Easter Bunny came in Germany during the 15th century. The bunny is mentioned in Goerg Fanck von Frankenau's book, De Ovis Paschalibus, which translates to "About the Easter Egg". Germans are also credited with creating the first chocolate Easter Bunnies in the 1800s.

German settlers moving to America brought their Easter traditions with them. When the immigrants settled in Pennsylvania, they introduced the New World to a rabbit called Osterhause, or Oschter Haws. Much like Santa Claus at Christmas, the Osterhause would visit homes the night before Easter and leave colorful eggs for good children. The children were encouraged to make nests out of their caps and bonnets for the Osterhause's eggs. As the tradition progressed, the Osterhause's name changed to the Easter Bunny and he began leaving chocolates and candies with the eggs. Of course, the caps and bonnets were later replaced with colorfully decorated Easter baskets.

The Easter Bunny would not be quite as popular without his basket of colorful egg treats. Much like our furry friend, the egg is a symbol of rebirth and a celebration of the spring. Christians adopted the egg as a representation of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Some Christians believe the egg's shell is like the grave, which can be broken by the new life of a chick or through Christ's resurrection.

The Christians were not the first to adopt the egg as a part of their religious celebrations. In the early 5th century, the Zoroastrians painted eggs for their New Year celebration. The egg is even featured in the Jewish Passover celebration. During the Seder dinner, Jews dip a roasted egg into salt water to represent the sacrifice that was offered at the Temple in Jerusalem, and the tears shed when the Temple was destroyed.

Over time, new traditions were added to the Easter celebration, including hunting for Easter eggs and Easter egg rolls. No matter how you celebrate the spring holiday, enjoy spending time with your family and friends!

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