Easter. The holiday known for its bright colors, yummy chocolate, an Easter basket, and most of all, the famous Easter Bunny! But, where did the idea of an easter bunny come from? Well, there are a few different theories and legends that help to answer this question.

Most believe that the symbol of the rabbit came from the festival of Eostre. This festival came from a Pagan tradition. Eostre is the goddess of fertility and her symbol is the rabbit. Since Eostre symbolizes fertility, it is like a new beginning. Easter is celebrated to remember Jesus’ new beginning.

Many believe that the legend of the Easter Bunny bringing eggs came from Germans who immigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania. The Easter Bunny would bring colorful eggs to children, and sometimes hide them. Hence, the tradition of having an Easter egg hunt on Easter. This is similar to the idea of Santa Claus and Christmas.

But, not all countries celebrate Easter with the Easter Bunny as the main symbol. Other countries represent Easter with an owl or cuckoo birds. The United States is one of the only countries who associate Easter with the Easter Bunny, and it has been this way for a little more than 200 years.