The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The
Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they
served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season. The
bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have it's origins in Germany,
where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The
first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early
1800s. And were made of pastry and sugar.
The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German
settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the
1700s. The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" was considered "childhood's
greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas
Eve. The children believed that if they were good the "Oschter Haws"
would lay a nest of colored eggs.
The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home,
the barn or the garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their
bonnets to make the nests . The use of elaborate Easter baskets
would come later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through
out the country.
