Iconic Easter Bunny
Apr 10, 2020
Megan Hasenour | Marketing Communications Manager
The Easter Bunny is one of the most familiar holiday icons. But Seriously. You’d have to admit that at least one time in your life you have thought, why an Easter Bunny? What is the connection?
According to the History Channel, the Easter Bunny is believed to date back to at least the 13th century but the exact origin of this furry mythical mammal is unclear. When doing research on the bunny, I realized that the Easter Bunny was quite a mysterious little fella, and history can’t pinpoint when he originated. Some sources noted the Easter Bunny originated in the 8th, 13th and 18th centuries, but one thing is sure is that the Easter Bunny has been bringing hope and new life to children and families for many, many years.
Not every country gets their Easter goodies delivered by an ultra-intelligent rabbit. In Switzerland, Easter eggs are delivered by the Easter Cuckoo (bird). The Cuckoo is the country’s symbol of growth and rebirth. A Cuckoo bird is very prevalent in Switzerland and where the cuckoo clock originated.
In parts of Germany the colorful eggs were once delivered by the Easter Fox, but the Easter Bunny has since taken hold there.
So why does the Easter Bunny bring eggs? Bunnies are known to be prolific procreators and are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life. Rabbits usually give birth to a rather large size litter of babies (called kittens). Eggs are a symbol of fertility and spring represents rebirth. So even though rabbits don’t lay eggs, the association of these symbols is what made the connection. The resurrection of Jesus is also tied to the long-standing concept of new life and that’s how these two connections merged to become what we celebrate today.
Today, there is one rabbit breed that looks most like the Easter Bunny and it’s the American Chinchilla. There are three types of chinchilla rabbits: American, Standard and Giant. The American Chinchilla generally weighs between 9-12 pounds when it is fully developed, with a lifespan of 5-8 years. They have a soft short rollback coat which does not need much maintenance in order to keep it healthy.
Amidst all the uncertainties with the global pandemic, Easter Bunny is considered "Essential" and will be making his way across our area on Sunday, just as planned. But if the Easter Bunny doesn’t make it to your household, then we have to understand that it is difficult to get around everywhere at the moment.
Wishing you and your families a very Happy, Safe and Healthy Easter season.
The Easter Bunny is one of the most familiar holiday icons. But Seriously. You’d have to admit that at least one time in your life you have thought, why an Easter Bunny? What is the connection?
According to the History Channel, the Easter Bunny is believed to date back to at least the 13th century but the exact origin of this furry mythical mammal is unclear. When doing research on the bunny, I realized that the Easter Bunny was quite a mysterious little fella, and history can’t pinpoint when he originated. Some sources noted the Easter Bunny originated in the 8th, 13th and 18th centuries, but one thing is sure is that the Easter Bunny has been bringing hope and new life to children and families for many, many years.
Not every country gets their Easter goodies delivered by an ultra-intelligent rabbit. In Switzerland, Easter eggs are delivered by the Easter Cuckoo (bird). The Cuckoo is the country’s symbol of growth and rebirth. A Cuckoo bird is very prevalent in Switzerland and where the cuckoo clock originated.
In parts of Germany the colorful eggs were once delivered by the Easter Fox, but the Easter Bunny has since taken hold there.
So why does the Easter Bunny bring eggs? Bunnies are known to be prolific procreators and are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life. Rabbits usually give birth to a rather large size litter of babies (called kittens). Eggs are a symbol of fertility and spring represents rebirth. So even though rabbits don’t lay eggs, the association of these symbols is what made the connection. The resurrection of Jesus is also tied to the long-standing concept of new life and that’s how these two connections merged to become what we celebrate today.
Today, there is one rabbit breed that looks most like the Easter Bunny and it’s the American Chinchilla. There are three types of chinchilla rabbits: American, Standard and Giant. The American Chinchilla generally weighs between 9-12 pounds when it is fully developed, with a lifespan of 5-8 years. They have a soft short rollback coat which does not need much maintenance in order to keep it healthy.
Amidst all the uncertainties with the global pandemic, Easter Bunny is considered "Essential" and will be making his way across our area on Sunday, just as planned. But if the Easter Bunny doesn’t make it to your household, then we have to understand that it is difficult to get around everywhere at the moment.
Wishing you and your families a very Happy, Safe and Healthy Easter season.