Easter Bunny History

_{Photo courtesy of Justin Henry.}

The Easter Bunny was not always a part of our celebration of Easter, or at least not as we know it today. The tradition of including bunnies or hares into the Easter holiday started with Pagan traditions long before Christianity. The reason bunnies and hares were included with the celebration of spring is that spring has often been regarded as the time for new beginnings, for fertility, new growths, rejuvination and prosperity. Bunnies are some of the animals that multiply the fastest: female bunnies have several babies per litter and can be pregnant many times per season. This is the reason that we often hear the phrase "multiply like bunnies" or "breeding like hares."

The idea of associating eggs with bunnies however is not as clear. Some point to an ancient legend whereby the pagan Goddess Ostara (from which Easter was derived) was given a set of beautifully decorated eggs from a rabbit to celebrate the coming of spring. The Goddess was so pleased that she asked this particular rabbit to deliver these joyful eggs to others all over the world.

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The first officially recorded use of the easter bunny in literature and writing comes from Germany in the 1500s. Germans are known to have created edible easter bunnies out of pastry materials in the 1800s. The tradition of the easter bunny traveled across the pond over to the United States when some German settlers brought their customs with them. Children knew of the Easter Bunny and looking forward to his visit just as much as they did to that of Santa Clause's visit. Often children would leave fresh carrots for the easter bunny to eat, much like leaving cookies and milk for santa claus.

Traditionally children would leave their bonnets or caps over night, hoping for the easter bunny to come and deposit some eggs into it. Historically, the easter bunny would bring colored eggs to only the good children, much like Santa would only give gifts to the good children. These days, children tend to receive a whole basket full of goodies from the easter bunny, they no longer need to leave their hats to receive goodies. Also the easter bunny has been delivering more commercial gifts instead of home made treats and hand painted eggs. But if your easter bunny would like to learn how to make painted easter eggs, he has come to the right place!

If you have any other interesting Easter Bunny tales to share, contact me and I will add them to this site!