An Easter Tale: The Story of the Easter Bunny

Spring has arrived and that means Easter is here! One of the cutest things about Easter is the Easter Bunny. As the official mascot for the spring holiday the Easter Bunny has an iconic history. But who is the Easter Bunny, and where did the story start? A veterinarian discusses this historic—and adorable—mythical figure below.

History

Many sources say that the Easter Bunny story comes from the folkloric furball Eostre, the Saxon goddess of spring. During this time hares may have been sacred. There is also the German Lutherans ‘Easter Hare.’ According to this tale, the Easter Hare judged whether children had been good or bad. The good kids got toys and candy, delivered by a bunny carrying a basket. (It is also worth pointing out that bunnies can be very judgmental.)

Colored Eggs

Another Easter tradition associated with the Easter Bunny motif is colored eggs. As you may know, the egg, in many cultures, symbolizes spring and fertility. Back in the day, the eggs were boiled with flowers. Today, people usually use food coloring. Easter egg hunts are also popular. If you have one, be sure to collect all the eggs before they spoil. This is especially important if you have a dog, because that won’t stop Fido from eating them.

March Hare

Before the Easter bunny there was the March Hare story. Perhaps, you may have heard the saying ‘Mad as a March hare.’ This is likely associated with the aggressive behavior of hares during spring. At this time of year, wild hares may fight each other, randomly jump for no apparent reason, or just generally act unusual.

Bunny Adoption

We really can’t discuss the Easter Bunny without at least touching on bunny adoption and rehoming. It’s still common for people to adopt rabbits as Easter presents for children. Many people don’t realize that bunnies need to chew, and then get upset when Floppy gnaws on their things. This sometimes ends up in rabbits being rehomed a few weeks or months after Easter. So. adopt responsibly! Don’t adopt a rabbit—or any other pet—unless you’re committed to offering it great care for the rest of its life.

Happy Easter! Contact us, your veterinary clinic in West Greenwich, RI, anytime!