Why do we associate bunnies with easter

Supposedly, the goddess's animal symbol was a rabbit , which have long traditionally symbolized fertility due to their high reproduction rates. As for how the specific character of the Easter Bunny originated in America, History. Eventually, the custom spread across America to become a widespread Easter tradition — and over time, the fabled bunny's delivery even expanded from just eggs to include other treats such as chocolate and toys.

Since rabbits are mammals and thus give birth to live young , you might be wondering why exactly the Easter Bunny is said to lay eggs on the holiday. The answer may be as simple as the fact that eggs, like the rabbit, have long been an ancient symbol of fertility, rebirth, and new life — all things associated with the springtime celebration of Easter! From a Christian perspective, eggs for Easter are said to represent Jesus' resurrection and his emergence from the tomb. According to History.

Today, the Easter Bunny is traditionally depicted with a white rabbit costume with long ears, often wearing clothes in human-like fashion. He can typically be found at Easter parades and other celebratory events for the holiday carrying a basket filled with colorful eggs, candy, and other treats to give out to kids; like Santa Claus on Christmas.

Interestingly, it's not always a bunny that brings the Easter eggs in countries outside of the U. According to some sources, the Easter bunny first arrived in America in the s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and transported their tradition of an egg-laying hare called "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws. Much like leaving cookies out for Santa, German children often left carrots out hoping the bunny would leave them extra special candy. News U. Politics Joe Biden Congress Extremism.

Special Projects Highline. HuffPost Personal Video Horoscopes. Follow Us. Terms Privacy Policy. According to University of Florida's Center for Children's Literature and Culture, the origin of the celebration — and the Easter bunny — can be traced back to 13th century, pre-Christian Germany, when people worshiped several gods and goddesses. The Teutonic deity Eostra was the goddess of spring and fertility, and feasts were held in her honor on the Vernal Equinox. Spring also symbolized new life and rebirth; eggs were an ancient symbol of fertility.

According to History. However, this association came much later when Roman Catholicism became the dominant religion in Germany in the 15th century and merged with already ingrained pagan beliefs. The first Easter bunny legends were documented in the s.

By , the first story about a rabbit laying eggs and hiding them in a garden was published. These legends were brought to the United States in the s when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania Dutch country, according to the University of Florida's Center for Children.