Hi friends!! Today we are here to discuss the history of the Easter bunny, so let’s get into it.
Easter is when we celebrate the end of Lent and the resurrection of Jesus. It’s also when a magical, mythical bunny visits all the children in the land and leaves them candy-filled plastic eggs.
Have you ever stopped to think about how odd the Easter bunny actually is? A rabbit that hides eggs filled with candy in the nooks and crannys of your house while you are sleeping? Honestly, it’s terrifying.
Don’t get me wrong, we are big Easter bunny fans here at the Lively residence! I just have a few questions, that’s all!
Where does the tradition of the Easter Bunny come from? What does a rabbit have to do with the resurrection of Jesus? Why does a rabbit bring eggs?
I did a little digging and here is what I found. I present to you the history of the Easter bunny!
History Of The Easter Bunny
The Easter bunny is one of the more mysterious holiday traditions. It’s quite difficult to pinpoint the exact history of the fuzzy little guy.
According to History, the Easter Bunny was first introduced to America by German immigrants in the 1700s who brought over their stories of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase.” Osterhase is german for Easter bunny. Their children would make nests for Osterhase to lay its colorful eggs.
Over time this custom spread across the country and evolved. The nests transitioned to baskets and the deliveries began to include candies and chocolates.
RELATED: You can find a few non-candy Easter basket suggestions HERE.
Why A Rabbit?
Why a rabbit? Honestly, the reasoning behind the rabbit is nearly impossible to find. I mean, why not a chicken? The best I could find is that the symbol of the rabbit comes from the festival of Eostre.
What is the festival of Eostre? I had never heard of it either! The festival of Eostre is a festival that honors the goddess of fertility and spring, Eostre. Her animal symbol was/is a rabbit, and rabbits, as we know, are known for their prolific procreation.
Other than rabbits being known for their rapid reproduction making them somewhat of a symbol of ‘new life’ the only other mention of a rabbit is the story of Osterhase and its colorful eggs traveling to America.
Why Eggs?
Why Easter eggs, you may ask? No one seems to know for sure, but eggs have been known to symbolize rebirth, new life, and fertility. Christians see the egg as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus.
How did the egg decorating begin? It’s been said that eggs were used for decorating because they were forbidden food during the Lent season (along with most other meat and animal by-products like butter, milk, and cheese). Since Easter marks the end of Lent, people would decorate eggs to celebrate the end of their period of fasting then eat them.
Additionally, it is believed that eggs were first dyed red using vinegar and onion skins to symbolize the blood of Christ.
RELATED: Try dyeing your own Easter eggs with food coloring or whipped cream!
Easter Fun Facts
A few fun facts I picked up during my Easter bunny fact-finding mission…
- Easter is the second biggest candy holiday after Halloween.
- Egg dyes were once made of natural items such as onion peels, flower petals, and juices.
- It has been said that if you wear new clothes on Easter you will have good luck for the rest of the year.
- Peeps are the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy.
- Most people believe the proper way to eat a chocolate bunny is to eat the ears first.
- Pretzels used to be a symbol of Easter because they resemble arms crossing in prayer.
