Why an Easter bunny?
The cute little Easter bunny appears on cards and as a soft toy holding an Easter egg. But where does he come from? The Easter bunny is not a modern invention. Rabbits have been associated with spring since ancient times. It is believed that a symbol...
The cute little Easter bunny appears on cards and as a soft toy holding an Easter egg. But where does he come from?
The Easter bunny is not a modern invention. Rabbits have been associated with spring since ancient times. It is believed that a symbol of the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of spring Eostre, was the hare. It was Eostre's sacred animal since it was a symbol of fertility and the rebirth of nature following winter.
As rabbits are similar to hares and are very common everywhere, Christians changed the symbol to the Easter bunny. So the modern symbol of the Easter bunny comes from pagan times.
The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings 600 years ago. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. These were made of pastry and sugar.
The tradition of the Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived 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 leave a nest of coloured eggs.
They would build their nest in a secluded place in their home, barn or garden. Boys used their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests. Now parents often hide eggs for children to find and children sometimes leave out carrots for the Easter bunny.
By Keith Bajada, eight, of Naxxar
By Luke Bonello Ghio, 10, of Kappara
By Jade Laudi, seven, of Paola
By Julia Bulteel, four, of Marsaxlokk
The Easter bunny is not a modern invention. Rabbits have been associated with spring since ancient times. It is believed that a symbol of the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of spring Eostre, was the hare. It was Eostre's sacred animal since it was a symbol of fertility and the rebirth of nature following winter.
As rabbits are similar to hares and are very common everywhere, Christians changed the symbol to the Easter bunny. So the modern symbol of the Easter bunny comes from pagan times.
The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings 600 years ago. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. These were made of pastry and sugar.
The tradition of the Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived 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 leave a nest of coloured eggs.
They would build their nest in a secluded place in their home, barn or garden. Boys used their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests. Now parents often hide eggs for children to find and children sometimes leave out carrots for the Easter bunny.
By Keith Bajada, eight, of Naxxar
By Luke Bonello Ghio, 10, of Kappara
By Jade Laudi, seven, of Paola
By Julia Bulteel, four, of Marsaxlokk