Ride the Rhino: Origins of the Easter Bunny

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Origins of the Easter Bunny

The Easter bunny can be traced back to 13th century Germany, predating the Christian holiday with which the Easter bunny has been associated.

When it comes to the secular aspects of the Easter holiday, one icon that children and adults of all ages tend to think of is the Easter bunny. The smiling rabbit, according to tradition, brings candy and treats to children while they are asleep and hides Easter eggs to be found on Easter morning

According to the Christian purpose for the Easter holiday, however, there are no mentions of rabbits, candy, or eggs in any text or tradition relating to Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. Since there is no reference to an "Easter bunny" in the religious tradition, those looking for the history of the Easter bunny will have to look elsewhere.

The Pre-Christian "Easter" Bunny

According to a MSNBC report, the tradition of having a holiday in close proximity to the vernal equinox, or the beginning of spring, dates back centuries. One such celebration in Germany dates back to the thirteenth century, when early Germans worshipped a number of different gods and goddesses. Eostra (also known as Ostara or Eostre,) the goddess of spring and fertility, was honored with feasts and celebrations on the day of the vernal equinox. One of Eostra's symbols was the rabbit because of the animal's ability to reproduce quickly and the abundance of rabbits in the spring time.

According to Anglo-Saxon tradition, Ostara had a pet bird that she had changed into a rabbit to amuse a group of children. Her pet, which had been "reborn" into a new creature, also laid colorful eggs for the children to find, says Aristotle Internet.

The First Easter Bunny

The first recorded mentions of the Easter bunny date back to the early 1500s, but it was not until 1680 that the first Easter bunny story was published, says Discovery News. According to the legend, the Easter bunny layed colorful eggs and hid them in a garden for children to find on Easter morning.

The legend came to the United States in the early 1700s, when German immigrants brought the story with them to what is now known as the Pennsylvania Dutch country. According to the History Channel, the tradition of the Easter bunny, known as "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws," spread throughout the area, with children making nests for the Easter bunny to put its eggs in.

Eventually, the tradition evolved into the Easter bunny leaving candies and small gifts for well-behaved children in woven baskets instead of nests. Just like at Christmas time, children also began to leave a snack of carrots for the Easter bunny before going to bed Saturday evening to help the Easter bunny keep his strength up while it was delivering treats throughout the night.

The Easter Bunny Today

Today, the Easter bunny has become one of the most recognizable mascots of the secular side of the Easter holiday. Shopping malls and community organizations hold meals and photo opportunities with an Easter bunny, and he also makes appearances at other Easter-themed activities, retailers, bakeries, candy stores, and other places that are preparing for the Easter holiday.

The Easter bunny may also show up in Easter parades and has also become a favorite chocolate treat. According to the History Channel, an estimated ninety million chocolate Easter bunnies are made each year for Easter baskets and candy dishes.

The tradition of the Easter bunny dates back to pagan feasts honoring the goddess Eostra, but today has come to symbolize the secular side of the Easter holiday. Whether someone remembers the Easter bunny as long-eared and furry or cast in chocolate, the rabbit associated with the spring holiday has a history spanning several centuries of celebrations.

Sources

"How's the Easter Bunny connected to Easter?" by Lauren Effron, MSNBC.com, published April 2, 2010
"What Does the Easter Bunny Have to Do with Easter?" Discovery News, Discovery.com, copyright 2011