According to Christianity.com, the Easter bunny has pre-Christian roots associated with fertility, new life, and spring. The Germanic Teutons worshiped pagan gods and goddesses. One such goddess was Eostra (also known as Ostara or Ēostre). She was revered as the goddess of fertility and spring. The word Easter finds its etymology from the goddess’s name. Due to its prolific breeding tendencies, the rabbit became a symbol for Eostra.
The Connection to Easter
In AD 595, 40 Roman monks were sent by Pope Gregory to England to convert the Anglo Saxons to Christianity. Like their Germanic forefathers, the Teutons, the Anglo-Saxons worshiped the goddess Eostra and held feasts in her honor on the March Equinox.
Under the Pope’s instructions, the 40 missionaries convinced the pagan Britons to integrate their ancient celebrations with Christian festivities, where both festival calendars coincided. Early Christians weaved the pagan symbolism of the rabbit into their Christian traditions.
Coming to America
History.com speculates that the Easter bunny first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and transported their tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Their children made nests in which this creature could lay its colored eggs. Eventually, the custom spread across the United States and the fabled rabbit’s Easter morning deliveries expanded to include chocolate and other types of candy and gifts, while decorated baskets replaced nests. Additionally, children often left out carrots for the bunny in case he got hungry from all his hopping.
Wishing All Our Readers a Happy Easter/Passover Holiday
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