Origin Of Easter Bunny

origin of easter bunny

Ever wonder about the origin of Easter Bunny and Easter being associated with Easter Sunday?  Today,  children rush to their Easter Baskets. More importantly, they are excited to get chocolate bunnies and other treats from the Easter Bunny.

Many holidays have pagan roots.  So how did the Easter Bunny become so prominent here in America?   Continue reading about it here.

Why A Rabbit At Easter

origin of easter bunny

As mentioned above, the origin of Easter Bunny can be tied back to early pagan celebrations around the vernal equinox.  In fact, pagans celebrated springtime’s renewal of life as well as the goddess of dawn and fertility, Eostre.  In addition, the hare or egg was associated with Eostre. Coincidently, the Christian celebration of Christ’s resurrection was also around the vernal equinox. Eventually, with both events occurring about the same time, they became one.  

Missionaries tended to blend pagan traditions with Christian Holidays to make the transition smoother. For instance, missionaries would use eggs to symbolize the essence of life and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  As a result, Missionaries by using common symbols and associations within the culture were able to convert pagans to Christianity.

Modern Time Record of Easter Bunny 

The earliest recorded evidence of the modern-day Easter Bunny goes back to the 1600s. It was first mentioned in German writings.  The rabbit was named Oschter Haws (Easter hare). Folklore had this rabbit lay a nest of colorful eggs for children who were good.

American Easter Bunny and Easter Tradition

Origin of Easter Bunny and ChocolatesEventually, chocolates and a variety of candies replaced the hare’s colored eggs. Furthermore, baskets replace the nests. In addition, children would leave out carrots for the Easter Bunny in case he got hungry from all his hopping.

German Immigrants to America in the 1700s brought along the egg-laying rabbit tradition. As before, children would make a nest for Oschter Haws for it to leave behind eggs. This tradition spread throughout the US.

Eventually, chocolates and a variety of candies replaced the hare’s colored eggs. Furthermore, baskets replace the nests. In addition, children would leave out carrots for the Easter Bunny in case he got hungry from all his hopping.

Our Family Tradition

As for our family tradition during the Easter Holiday, our parents would have us dress up with Sunday’s best outfits for Church. On Easter morning, we would search the house for the hidden baskets of treats. After Church, we would have a big family gathering to enjoy the specialty meats and bakery treats to make the celebration special.