A Short History of the Easter Bunny
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.
The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have it's origins in
Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the
1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany
during the early 1800s. And were made of pastry and sugar
Of all the symbols of Easter, none is more beloved than the
Easter Bunny. And, of all the symbols of this season, none has a
more varied, unique and universal background than this
floppy-eared chocolate confection deliveryman.
The Advent of The Easter Bunny
The first documented use of the bunny as a symbol of Easter
appears in Germany in the 1500s; although the actual matching of
the holiday and the hare was probably a much earlier folk
tradition.
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.
The 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.
Lyrics to: Here Comes Peter Cottontail
Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail,
Hippity hoppity,
Easter's on its way
Bringin' ev'ry girl and boy
A basketful of Easter joy
Things to make your Easter
Bright and gay
He's got jelly beans for Tommy
Colored eggs for sister Sue
There's an orchid for your mommy
And an Easter bonnet too. Oh!
Here' comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity
Happy Easter Day
Look at him hop and listen to him say,
"Try to do the things you should"
Maybe if you're extra good
He'll roll lots of Easter eggs your way
You'll wake up on Easter morning
And you'll know that he was there
When you find those choc'late bunnies
That he's hiding ev’rywhere, Oh!
Here' comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity
Happy Easter Day.
See Also:
List of Fictional Rabbits
Index of All Rabbit Care & Bunny
Fun Stuff
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