Easter Traditions: Easter Bunny and His Candy

The rabbit, known for its fertility, symbolizes the birth of spring, and "Eastra," a goddess honored at ancient festivals, took the form of a rabbit. The giant bunny that hops into our homes and fills baskets with candy is another story! 

The Easter bunny is believed to have originated in German literature around the early 16th century with a tale that involved a large bunny who laid eggs around springtime.  200 years later when the German's immigrated to America they brought the Easter tradition of "Osterhase" with them.  Children would make nests in their hats and bonnets and the folkloric rabbit would lay colored eggs in them.  As the ritual developed decorated baskets replaced the homemade nests. 

Germans have been making bunny-shaped confections and pastry since the 19th century.  Somewhere along the way chocolate candy eggs and bunnies found their way into the baskets making the custom of the Easter Bunny extra sweet for kids.