Origins of the Easter Bunny

The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. Then, it was called the "Easter hare" after the wilder, leaner, more rare group entirely in the genus Lepus. Both rabbits and hares were the most fertile animals known (bearing four to eight litters a year, with three to eight young in each litter) and served as symbols of new life during the spring season. The Easter hare was a sacred companion of the goddess of spring, Eostre.

The bunny was first used as a symbol of Easter in 16th century Germany and was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" was considered "childhood's greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. The children believed that if they were good, the "Oschter Haws" would lay a nest of colored eggs.

Thus the custom of making nests also spread to America. Children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests. The use of elaborate Easter baskets would come later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through out the country.

In honor of revival, renewal and resurrection, have a Happy Easter!