04/04/2026
Why are Easter eggs, bunnies, and lambs all symbols of this springtime holiday? 🥚🐰🐑 Many Easter traditions have fascinating histories. But what do these symbols actually mean?
The rabbit symbolism had its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore, while the hare was the Egyptian symbol of fertility. The ancient Greeks thought that rabbits could reproduce as virgins, and in the early medieval times, the rabbit became associated with the Virgin Mary and commonly appeared in medieval art.
However, the Easter Bunny, who visits children on Easter morning, was an invention of German Protestants; the Osterhase, or Easter Hare, brought eggs and sweets to good children, in the same way that Santa Claus brought gifts to well-behaved youngsters.
The Easter Bunny followed German immigrants to the American colonies in the 18th century, and the folklore spread across the United States. Initially, children fashioned nests for their Easter bunnies out of bonnets, hats, or boxes; eventually, these became the colorful Easter baskets that we use today!
Learn more about how the Easter bunny and other folklore came to be at Almanac.com/easter-symbols
