A rabbit that lays eggs? What's that all about!?!?!?

Yes folks, it is that time of the year when little kids hunt eggs and as one of my friends (who is Jewish) asked, "What's up with a rabbit that poops eggs?" I have other friends (who are Christan) who say eggs and bunnies have nothing to do with Easter at all. Well folks, as a degree holding historian, I went on a search for the history behind Easter. I hope that you find this information helpful in explaining the connection of Easter, eggs and bunnies!

Since its start as a holy celebration in the second century, Easter has had its non-religious side. In fact, Easter was originally a pagan festival. As it happened, the pagan festival of Eastre occurred at the same time of year as the Christian observance of the Resurrection of Christ. The festival was altered, to make it easier to convert Pagans to Christianity.  The early name, Eastre, was eventually changed to its modern spelling, Easter.

The Easter Bunny is not a modern invention. The symbol originated with the pagan festival of Eastre. The goddess Eastre's earthly symbol was the rabbit.  So the Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The first "modern" written account of the Easter Bunny was mentioned in German writings in the 1500's.

Eggs were also seen during the festival of Eastre as symbols of rebirth and spring, thus the the Easter Egg. Now I am not sure how or why the legend of a rabbit laying eggs came to be, but it seems to have been a legend that was around since the 1680's. Children would make a nest for the bunny to lay eggs. That nest is now the modern day Easter Basket.

That is it in a nutshell. So I guess it doesn't matter if your religious or not, Eggs or no eggs. Easter is a holiday for everyone! So no matter what this Easter season, get out there an have fun, anyway you want!