Why is a rabbit responsible for delivering eggs at Easter?
Easter predates Christianity. The name comes from the ancient pagan goddess of spring, Eastre or Eostre, whose festival of new birth and growth was held at the vernal equinox (March 21). The rabbit was held as the symbol of fecundity, a necessity to the ancients to continue the circle of life. Eggs represented new life at springtime. As in other pagan festivals, the celebration was amalgamated with a Christian festival and in this case a Jewish festival, but many of the ancient traditions remained. The rules of Lent forbade the eating of eggs, and the giving and receiving and eggs at Passover became a custom. Originally, the eggs were real, and were later decorated in beautiful patterns and colours. Chocolate eggs and the Easter Bunny are a modern commercial development.

Judy Chapman, Shellharbour

Eggs have, for many years, been the symbol of new life. In England, parents started hiding the eggs in the garden for their children to find. When the children went to look for the eggs, they would often startle a rabbit. The children thus came to believe that the rabbit had delivered the eggs.

John Lim, Waverton




Easter Bunny
When the Autumn season heads its way towards us, the first thought that strikes our mind is undoubtedly Easter festivity. And when the talk is about Easter, it is definitely incomplete without the mention of Easter bunny and Easter eggs.
Most of us are ignorant about the origin of Easter bunny. Easter bunny is a symbol associated with fertility and the reason behind is that, it has a very quick speed of reproduction.
There are many legends associated with the history of Easter bunny. Some legends suggest that this grand festival Easter got its name from the Anglo- Saxon goddess called Eostre, who was always seen along with her pet bunny rabbit. It's astonishing to know that, it was this very bunny of Goddess that had laid the first colored eggs. Easter bunny has become famous for starting the tradition of Easter egg hiding. Thus, the kids' favorite game of Easter egg hunt can be attributed to Easter bunnies.
Today, Easter bunny occupies the most dominant position amongst all symbols of Easter. In the contemporary times, Easter bunnies are found sailing smoothly virtually everywhere. The gift galleries are stocked with cute bunny rabbit stuff toys. Not only are they adorning homes, but have become the source of flourishing business for confectionary shops too. Chocolate bunny rabbit cookies and cakes sell like real hot cakes during the Easter spring season. This symbol of Pagan times, Easter bunny, symbolizes new life.