Can anyone tell me how we got an “Easter Bunny” incorporated with Easter?
401830
Actually, the Easter Bunny has everything to do with Easter. \n\nEaster is derived from an ancient Germanic name for the month of April, Eostremonat--or rather Eostre Month, in dedication to the goddess Eostre. Eostre, or Ostara was a German goddess of fertility and her return was marked by the coming of spring and the sun. The Ost in her name refers to the East--the rising of the sun. The rebirth of the day and the rebirth of the spring were her specialties, and her celebrations occured during the vernal equinox--the first day of spring. Of course calendar dates have gotten juggled about for quite a few different reasons over time and now April is no longer where it once was on the calendar at what is now March 21st.\n\nThe rabbit was a traditional symbol of the goddess because of its great fertility, and the fact that the coming of spring marked the time when all of the little bunnies were seen starting to be born.\n\nWhen Christianity became the predominant religion it was an easy transition to introduce the rebirth of the Christ figure into the already extant birth and rebirth tradition. Old ways die hard, and the bunny stuck around. \n\nAlthough there are several explanations for the eggs the Easter bunny brings, (other than eggs are another traditional symbol of birth/rebirth) the most likely is that eggs were forbidden during the fast of lent, and were decorated and eaten in abundance to mark the end of the fast.\n\nGerman protestants although breaking with Roman Catholocism liked the egg tradition and kept it. And when German immigrants came to America, they brought with them the traditions of the Osterhase (Easter hare) and his eggs.\n\nInasmuch as Christianity has stolen the ancient goddess' name for their own holiday, it seems only fitting that its original mascot still puts in an appearance each year.
301068
Easter is derived from an ancient Germanic name for the month of April, Eostremonat--or rather Eostre Month, in dedication to the goddess Eostre. Eostre, or Ostara was a German goddess of fertility and her return was marked by the coming of spring and the sun. The Ost in her name refers to the East--the rising of the sun. The rebirth of the day and the rebirth of the spring were her specialties, and her celebrations occured during the vernal equinox--the first day of spring. Of course calendar dates have gotten juggled about for quite a few different reasons over time and now April is no longer where it once was on the calendar at what is now March 21st.\n\nThe rabbit was a traditional symbol of the goddess because of its great fertility, and the fact that the coming of spring marked the time when all of the little bunnies were seen starting to be born.\n\nWhen Christianity became the predominant religion it was an easy transition to introduce the rebirth of the Christ figure into the already extant birth and rebirth tradition. Old ways die hard, and the bunny stuck around. \n\nAlthough there are several explanations for the eggs the Easter bunny brings, (other than eggs are another traditional symbol of birth/rebirth) the most likely is that eggs were forbidden during the fast of lent, and were decorated and eaten in abundance to mark the end of the fast.\n\nGerman protestants although breaking with Roman Catholocism liked the egg tradition and kept it. And when German immigrants came to America, they brought with them the traditions of the Osterhase (Easter hare) and his eggs.\n\nInasmuch as Christianity has stolen the ancient goddess' name for their own holiday, it seems only fitting that its original mascot still puts in an appearance each year.
479686
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/holidays/easter/eastbon.htm\n\nhttp://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10213
268414
The Easter Bunny could be either, but the one you reference has to be a female.
408751
Easter comes from a pagan celebration for the coming of spring.(early christians adopted the celebration so more pagans would become christian).  the rabbit symbolized fertility along with eggs.  I have no clue where the whole chocolate thing came from.
433988
Jewelry is always good.  It doesn't have to be elaborate (c'mon...it's Easter we're talking about here).  Or how about a nice Easter lilly w/a great card.  Romantic cards go a long way w/women.\n\nMaybe a flower pot, seeds, gardening gloves for her & the grand daughter to plant things together???\n\nBottle of wine & some nice wine glasses???\n\nFlowers w/a nice vase (& the card....don't foget the card...lol)\n\nScented candles & relaxation bubble bath???\n\nDVD set of her favorite TV show???\n\nHope some of this helps...good luck & Happy Easter.
326556
Well my favorite Easter treats are seeing all my family, in-laws too! Today i made Easter dinner :) it was great. Then, it is usually sunny on Easter, i like to go out into the woods, and enjoy what god gave us. I also like the Easter basket my mom has made me for the last 25 years. my guilty pleasure. Then at the end of the day i like to thank god for all he has given us. (actually i do that every night, but hey!) Hope you had a fantastic Easter yourself and got to enjoy all the wonderful things about it as well. What is your favorite treat? if you don't mind me asking! Have a good day!
742589
Don't forget the three magi: Easter Bunny, Santa, and the Tooth Fairy.\n\nEggs are the new myr.
343772
A stuffed Easter bunny , plastic colored eggs, baby toys, and suckers.
343153
Ooooooooooooooh pick me pick meeeee!!!\nI want one , i want one !!!!! Pleaseeee pleeeeeeese .Ooooooooooh i want a white chocolate one            \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll hail the easter bunny .) hmmmmmm chocolate *drools*
420919
Easter is derived from an ancient Germanic name for the month of April, Eostremonat--or rather Eostre Month, in dedication to the goddess Eostre. Eostre, or Ostara was a German goddess of fertility and her return was marked by the coming of spring and the sun. The Ost in her name refers to the East--the rising of the sun. The rebirth of the day and the rebirth of the spring were her specialties, and her celebrations occured during the vernal equinox--the first day of spring. Of course calendar dates have gotten juggled about for quite a few different reasons over time and now April is no longer where it once was on the calendar at what is now March 21st.\n\nThe rabbit was a traditional symbol of the goddess because of its great fertility, and the fact that the coming of spring marked the time when all of the little bunnies were seen starting to be born.\n\nWhen Christianity became the predominant religion it was an easy transition to introduce the rebirth of the Christ figure into the already extant birth and rebirth tradition. Old ways die hard, and the bunny stuck around. \n\nAlthough there are several explanations for the eggs the Easter bunny brings, (other than eggs are another traditional symbol of birth/rebirth) the most likely is that eggs were forbidden during the fast of lent, and were decorated and eaten in abundance to mark the end of the fast.\n\nGerman protestants, although breaking with Roman Catholocism and the tradition of the lent fast, liked the egg tradition and kept it. And when German immigrants came to America, they brought with them the traditions of the Osterhase (Easter hare) and his eggs.\n\nInasmuch as Christianity has stolen the ancient goddess' name for their own holiday, it seems only fitting that its original mascot still puts in an appearance each year.
451424
Mom dressing my sisters and me in fancy frilly dresses, lacy anklets, fancy little girl hats with matching lacy purses, and my brothers in little matching suits.\n\nWe'd walk two blocks to church...all eight of us...following Mom and Dad in our Easter Best.\nWe'd celebrate the Holy Day.\n\nAfterwards, when we would get home....we had our egg hunt.\nMom and Dad hid them everywhere.  \nInside and outside the house.  \nWhoever found the silver and gold egg got first pick of the easter baskets [even though they were all exactly the same!]\n\nWow!!  What lovely memories!!\nThanks Mom and Dad!!\n\n\nAnd... thanks Zoya for causing me to remember.\nHappy Easter.
253740
Father Christmas brings mine,in august on a hefferlimp { it's got a poorly flipper }..\nIn England we all get easter eggs { Chocolate,all sizes } in Holland they hide hard boiled eggs and you have to find them.. It can get a bit messy,stinky if you live on a farm..
376731
Traditionally, no matter the country, it is Easter Sunday.  The bunny is supposed to come on Sat night and the kids wake up to Easter Eggs and baskets on Sunday.
438748
most kids think easter bunny when they think of easter.  It is supposed to be a day of religion but most people eat chocolate and hide eggs.
557818
The Easter Bunny. (needed a place to hide all those Easter eggs).
428127
:) Cadbury creme-filled eggs are definately a must-have Easter treat here in the States. Don't forget those Jelly-Belly Jelly Beans too.:) Happy Easter.