Where did the easter bunny originate from?

Answer 1

In pagan times, the "Easter hare" was no ordinary animal, but a sacred companion of the old goddess of spring, Eostre. 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. Since long before Jesus Christ was born, parents told their children that the magic hare would bring them presents at the spring festival. The presents were often painted eggs, as these represented the new life starting at this time of year." Hares are animals which look like rabbits, but are larger and in many countries quite rare. In most places, the Easter rabbit (bunny) has replaced the Easter hare completely.

The bunny was first used as a symbol of Easter in 16th century Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings. The first edible Easter bunnies, made primarily of pastry and sugar, were produced in Germany as well, during the early 1800s. Also in Germany, children made nests of grass and placed them in their yards. They believed the Easter Bunny would fill these baskets with brightly decorated eggs during the night.

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.

Thus the custom of making nests also spread to America. 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.

Answer 2

The Easter bunny was a pagan symbol that predated the christian holiday. However, the Easter bunny we know today was influenced by German traditions dating back to the 1500s. German children believed that a magical rabbit would leave them a nest of colored eggs at Eastertime if they were good. Pennsylvania Dutch settlers brought this tradition to America in the 1700s.

Answer 3

Bunnies come from the bunny patch where they are all good. Rabbits are always good, and on Easter I read easter stories to them. Maybe they would like the Easter stories better than the Science fiction I read a lot but I don't know because rabbits can't speak.

But they are all good and you can buy them there. The lady says you can buy them for pets or for food but I don't think that I could eat my friends. They are all good. It helps make the Earth great!

Answer 4

Easter originated from the pagan goddess Eshtar, the goddess of fertility. That is where the bunny came from. Rabbits reproduce quickly and are a sign of life. Same with ducks and birds, the egg is a sign of fertility. That, along with Christmas and Halloween, are all pagan holidays, that I am pretty sure our christian god would not approve of us celebrating them. That is why I do not celebrate american holidays.

Answer 5

Eostre.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eostre

Answer 6

A mommy easter bunny!

ya see, when two easter bunnies love each other.... you get the idea

Answer 7

East Geman fertility symbol associated with the Goddess Eastre.

Answer 8

its an early attempt by christianity to win over pagans.

the vast majority of christian holidays and rituals have similar origins..

sunday is the day of rest because the sun was central to pagan beliefs

sacramant was taken directly from 'god eating' which was a pagan ritual.

the list goes on..

Answer 9

Minneapolis

Answer 10

Read here for pretty thorough account: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_bunny

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/