The Hunt to find out where the Easter Bunny comes from is on!
The Easter Bunny is a loved character over the Easter holiday in most households. But before we get carried away with thoughts of all the delicious chocolaty treats that he will be hiding away for our annual Easter egg hunt, do you know who he is and where he comes from?
With that snow-white coat and squishy pink tummy, it is a giveaway that he is an arctic hare. Where else would he be able to survive with all that comfortable fluff on him? You could say that he is Santa Clauses neighbour, because of their proximity. Mr. Bunny, like Santa Clause, ventures out every year to various parts of the world and like a chameleon his coat changes according to the climate to ensure that he does not have any issues with heat stroke or hyperthermia.
Where is he from?
What every South African child has ever wondered, however, is how did he venture as far as South Africa for a special chocolate delivery on Easter Sunday? Before the Easter Bunny ventured to Pennsylvania with a group of German Pagan immigrants in the early 1700s, he was viewed as a symbol of fertility. The early Pagans celebrated the Goddess of fertility and spring, and her animal representation was a rabbit, because they are known for their high fertility. According to the legend, children would build little nests and if they were well behaved that year, the Easter bunny would lay colourful eggs in the nest.
Back to the early 1700's the Easter Bunny like many other young folks, he had this burning desire to acquaint himself with the world. Pennsylvania just happened to be his first stop. Upon his arrival he was better known as Osterhase or Oschter Haws, by his German friends. The Americans changed his name quite quickly to the Easter Bunny and spread the egg laying idea. As this tale spread throughout the eggs evolved into various forms of sweet treats for kids.
Other International Easter Characters
In most countries, Mr. Bunny is still quite prevalent, but because of his busy schedule over the Easter period, he has roped in some of his special friends to help with the Easter delivery rush. In Australia, they have Easter Bilby, who is an endangered marsupial. In Switzerland, they have Easter Cuckoo, who is a tiny bird, and lastly, in Germany, they have Easter Fox doing their deliveries.
Mr. Bunny's signature hop skip and jump allows him to move swiftly and unseen between homes. To ensure that you have a chance of seeing him, build him a nest where he can safely drop your Easter eggs this Sunday.
