Did you know that the bunny has been a symbol of fertility since ancient Egypt? From Egypt the symbol spread to Greece and Rome. The Celtics also used the rabbit as a symbol for the festival celebrating the goddess of spring. But the Easter Bunny got his origins in 13th century, pre-Christian Germany. He was first found in literature dating back to the 1500’s. Children celebrated ‘Oschter Haws’, a rabbit that left eggs and candies on their shoes. Why eggs? They are also a symbol of fertility and rebirth. In the 1800’s Germany earned my undying gratitude by introducing that delightful treat: the chocolate bunny!! The Easter Bunny tradition was brought to America by German settlers that came to the Pennsylvania Dutch area in the early 1800’s. Over the years the amount of candy and eggs delivered increased until finally baskets became common. Well, except at my house where the candy and eggs were delivered in covered shoe boxes, so the dog couldn’t eat our candy! The Easter Bunny isn’t used in every country though. In Australia, bunnies are considered a nuisance and instead they use a Bilby to deliver eggs! I wonder if they make chocolate Bilbys?
Post by: Mary D
No comments:
Post a Comment