Easter Bunny History |
|
|
Festivities are marked by cherished traditions that bring happiness, comfort, and warmth, and provide continuity from one generation to the next. Easter has its share of traditions: gift baskets, colorful egg decorations and hunts; sunrise church services, parades, and, of course, the Easter bunnies. The roots of Easter bunny can be traced back to pre-Christian fertility lore. |
The Easter Bunny is a rabbit-spirit and it signified new life and rebirth. Years ago, Easter bunny was known as “Easter Hare”. As known to all, hares and rabbits have frequent multiple births, so they became a symbol of fertility and birth. And that’s what the spring time too stands for- renewal and regeneration. So, settle in and get an in depth information on Easter Bunny history.
The history of Easter bunny can be traced back to Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. According to a German legend, a white hare would leave Easter baskets filled with candies, brightly colored eggs and other goodies for kids to come and gorge on them on Easter morning. The German settlers when moved to U.S. popularized the tradition of the Easter hare. And as the days passed, the Easter hare became the Easter bunny. It was in the 1800's that the bunnies were popularized as confectioneries. They were made from pastry and sugar.
Easter bunny is also associated with the pagan goddess “Eostre”. The earthly symbol of the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, “Eostre”, was hare. And she was worshipped for her earthly symbol. According to a European legend, hare is a symbol of moon because hares never close their eyes and watch the other animals throughout the night. The hare is intricately related to Easter because the celebration date is fixed in accordance with the appearance of full moon. In Egypt, rabbits signified the new life in spring. Later, early Christians saw it as a symbol for the resurrection of Christ.
Though the origin of Easter bunny is shrouded in mystery, this lovable sweet creature still remains the most admired symbol of Easter.
|
|
