The Easter rabbit, origin and tradition

Although the origins of the Easter rabbit are not very clear, it seems that the choice of the rabbit as a symbol to celebrate Easter is due to its known capacity for procreation, of great symbolic value in a festival dedicated to spring and the fertility of the land after winter. It has its origin i

Although the origins of the Easter rabbit are not very clear, it seems that the choice of the rabbit as a symbol to celebrate Easter is due to its known capacity for procreation, of great symbolic value in a festival dedicated to spring and the fertility of the land after winter. It has its origin in the Germanic culture, which gave the Easter rabbit the meaning of a mythical child character that we know today.

The Easter rabbit is a mythical child character

Do not obsess, before Christ, the rabbit was already a symbol of fertility associated with the Phoenician goddess Asarté, who was also dedicated the month of April. In the Anglo-Saxon countries this goddess is called Easter and in her honor the Easter festival was celebrated. This festival was originally the spring festival and served to honor the Teutonic goddess of light and spring. In the eighth century, the Anglo-Saxons transferred the name of Easter to the Christian festival that designates the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, adapting the name of the pagan holiday in Christian traditions.

Beginning in the 19th century, chocolate and sugar dolls began to be manufactured in Germany, because a legend that transmits the story about the origin of the Easter rabbit began to circulate among the population. This story tells that a rabbit was locked in the tomb next to Jesus and witnessed his resurrection. Having witnessed the miracle, and leaving the cave together with Jesus, it is said that he was chosen as the messenger who should communicate and remind all children of the good news, giving away painted eggs, which are now also chocolate and other goodies during Easter.

Nowadays, in addition to chocolate eggs, chocolate rabbits are also made, which are usually given during the Easter or Easter holidays. All of them have become a pastry product that can be seen in stores in many countries.

The habit of hiding painted eggs in the gardens of houses, for the joy and rejoicing of the children who find them, is still maintained in many countries. It symbolizes the persecution of Jesus by Herod and the intervention of God to avoid being found.