2007-04-07 07:13:43 · 10 answers · asked by Kratos 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Easter
The origin of the Easter Bunny probably goes back to the festival's connection with the pagan goddess Eostre. Eostre (sometimes spelt Oestre) was a fertility goddess from whom we derive the word "oestrogen" and she is closely associated with fertility symbols such as eggs. The rabbit is known as a highly fertile creature and hence an obvious choice for Easter symbolism.
In fact the use of a rabbit is probably a mistake - the Easter "bunny" is more likely to be a hare, since it is the hare that is usually considered the sacred creature of Eostre. Hares have been considered sacred by many cultures inclusing the ancient Egyptians who believed them to watch the moon during the night. Although hares and rabbits are related they are most definitely different creatures, as a certain Bugs keeps reminding us!
2007-04-08 00:28:05 · answer #1 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Easter bunny originated in pre-Christian fertility lore. Hares (and rabbits) served as symbols of new life in spring. Also, from antiquity, hares have been a symbol for the moon, and the first full moon after the vernal equinox determines when Easter takes place.
2007-04-07 14:23:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ever since that I can remember there was always a bunny for Easter and we called the bunny peter rabbit.
2007-04-07 14:23:35 · answer #3 · answered by Leigh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits are said in many cultures to be the bringers of eternal life or something wonderful, and when we celebrate Easter we are celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus and that should also bring eternal life as well
2007-04-07 15:15:13 · answer #4 · answered by princeessintraning 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eostre - an Anglo-Saxon pagan deity's celbration was around the same time. There's an odd package of legends about rabbits staring up at the sky attached to the same. Terracotta rabbits staring upwards are often to be found in garden centres in the UK.
2007-04-07 14:23:51 · answer #5 · answered by palaver 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
non-believers needed an excuse to celebrate Easter. They were tired of feeling left out. What a pity.
2007-04-07 14:20:15 · answer #6 · answered by Rick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it comes from another religious systym that is called Aester (AY-ster). Like that other guy said i thik it is becuae unbelievers needed a reason to celebrate Easter. I'll have to researc that.
2007-04-07 14:22:29 · answer #7 · answered by The Pirate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when christianity was adopted as the religion back forever ago the pagans didn't want to give up their celebrations and such so they were merged. rabbits represent fertility, as do eggs. their fertility celebration was around the same time as easter so it was combined.
2007-04-07 14:21:43 · answer #8 · answered by somebody's a mom!! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a bunny is a symbol of spring. spring is when it gets warm and stuff so that symbolizes new life! christ is our new life! renew yourself!
2007-04-07 15:40:56 · answer #9 · answered by Christine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
umm....
2007-04-07 14:18:04 · answer #10 · answered by legomania2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋