The exact origin of the Easter bunny is a real mystery. One hypothesis is that the symbol of the rabbit comes from a pagan tradition, the festival of Eostre, where a Germanic goddess of fertility was symbolized by a bunny. Rabbits, of course, are known for their energetic breeding and they traditionally symbolize fertility.
Eggs are also a representation of new life and it’s believed that decorating eggs for Easter dates back to the 13th century. Hundreds of years ago, church-attending citizens abstained from having eggs during Lent and then resumed eating them again on Easter. During the 19th century, Russian high society started exchanging ornately decorated eggs, some even decorated with diamonds, for Easter.
In Germany, children made nests in which a hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws”, could lay its coloured eggs. Eventually, the custom spread across to the U.S. and the fabled rabbit’s Easter morning deliveries grew to include chocolate and other types of candy and gifts, while decorated baskets replaced nests. Additionally, children often left carrots out for the bunny in case he got hungry from all his hopping.
Bunnies are not the animal traditionally associated with Easter in every country. Some countries identify the holiday with other types of animals such as the Fox in Germany, Cuckoo Birds in Switzerland, and the Bilby, otherwise known as a Rabbit-Bandicoot, in Australia.
For more information make sure you visit History.com or simply google origins of the Easter Bunny.
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