The Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny is effectively a rabbit which hides painted eggs in the garden for children to find, but where did this tradition originate from? After thorough investigation I can conclude that the written record only takes us as far back as the 1600s in the Alsace region of Europe (modern day France close to the border with Germany). It seems unlikely that the Easter bunny was an invention of the 1600s because Europeans at that time were turning against anything superstitious or idolatry. Therefore many people argue that the Easter bunny is actually far older and is the remnant of pre-Christian pagan practices.
In most of Europe the Easter Bunny is actually referred to as the 'Easter Hare'. When the German and Dutch immigrants to America took the tradition with them his (if he is a male) species was changed from Hare to Rabbit and that is how he became the Easter Bunny.
Spring is a time of new birth and both hares and eggs are fairly obvious symbols of new life. Hares, because Spring is about the only time when they are seen by people, the young males fighting in the short grass is a common sight and led to the phrase 'mad as a march hare'. (For those of you who have seen Alice in Wonderland, the mad March Hare is by far the best character!) Eggs are even more obvious symbols of new life, because that is what they actually contain (unless we boil and paint them of course!).
In conclusion, perhaps the origins of the Easter Bunny may be thousands of years old, yet each year the (mostly chocolate) eggs which he brings us are definitely fresh and delicious.
Happy Easter!! / Joyeuses Pâques!! / Pascua Feliz!! / Zyczenia Wielkanocne!! / 幸福的 复活节 !!
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