The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare
and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols
of the new life during the Spring season.
The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have it's origins in Germany, where
it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible
Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. And were made
of pastry and sugar
The Easter bunny 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.
The 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. |
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Easter
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