If you’ve ever wondered why the Easter Bunny is recognised as the universal symbol of Easter, look no further and read on!

German Protestants

The “Easter Hare” has been around since the late 1600s. The Easter Hare was a rabbit that laid coloured eggs as gifts for well-behaved children (if this sounds similar to Santa Claus, that’s because the German Protestants imagined the Easter Bunny would function like Santa Claus).

The Easter Bunny went to America in the 1700s through Dutch settlers, and from there, the tradition of waiting for the Easter Bunny to leave coloured eggs for children spread. This is the tradition that led to modern day Easter egg hunts!

Pagan celebrations

The other origin story involves the pagan celebrations of the springtime renewal of life and fertility. The anniversary of Christ’s resurrection was also aligned with the spring equinox, linking springtime and Easter together.

Eggs and rabbits both represented fertility and people celebrated the arrival of Easter by decorating eggs.

Easter today

The Easter Bunny is now an official symbol of the Easter holiday. Kids see the Easter Bunny just like Santa Claus – someone visiting secretly overnight leaving treats to discover in the morning!

No matter how you and your family choose to celebrate Easter, we hope your bunnies are a part of the festivities!