Fluffy, friendly, and FERTILE!

Hippity, hoppity . . . how did a rabbit come to represent the resurrection day of the Savior?

Actually, the entire holiday has its roots in pre-Christian tradition. Early Christians adapted the Jewish Passover and pagan celebrations to mark their holiday of faith.

WHERE DID EASTER BEGIN?

The ancient Anglo-Saxons worshipped Ostara, a goddess of fertility. During the spring moon, or vernal equinox, tribal members would offer seeds and colored eggs on a fertility altar. Christian transformed Ostara to Easter to mark the celebration of Christ's resurrection in the spring.

The Last Supper of Christ was actually a celebration of the Passover Seder, which also occurs in the spring, so this timing was both historical and logical.

WHERE DID EASTER EGGS BEGIN?

Since early Roman times and before, people have regarded the egg as a symbol of new life. As a sign of Christian rebirth, the egg is ideal: what once appeared to be lifeless has sprung into new life. A bird hatching from an egg has been seen as a type of resurrection, even as Christ stepped out of the sealed tomb of death.

In Greece, Easter eggs are dyed red, to symbolize the shed blood of Christ.

WHERE DID THE RABBIT COME IN?

Rabbits are among the most prolific of all living creatures. They exemplify fertility, as they may produce many offspring at one time. According to Anglo-Saxon mythology, Ostara (again, the fertility goddess) transformed a bird into a bunny, who laid colorful eggs for children. Thus began the tradition of a bunny giving children decorated eggs in the spring.

In America, Pennsylvania Dutch settlers recounted stories to their children of the "Oschter Haws" (Easter Hare), who visited homes and left colored eggs for well-behaved children. Little boys would leave their caps, and little girls would leave their bonnets, as nests. In time, families began weaving and crafting baskets instead.

In the 19th century, German confectioners began making Easter bunnies from pastry.

Today, in the United States, many families perpetuate the tradition of the Easter bunny, who brings treats and trinkets to children. Many other countries have similar traditions.

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

Aren't we fortunate that the Easter bunny drops jelly beans and chocolate eggs, instead of what all those other bunnies leave in our yards?

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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