Where Did the Easter Bunny Come from?

The earliest evidence of a more modern Easter Bunny dates back to the 1600s, when it's first mentioned in German writings, reports Mental Floss. This rabbit, called "Oschter Haws" or Easter hare, was believed to lay a nest of colorful eggs for children who were good.

What does the Easter Bunny have to do with Jesus?

In fact, the rabbit was the symbol of Eostra—the pagan Germanic goddess of spring and fertility. ... In other words, the Christian holiday of Easter, which celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, became superimposed on pagan traditions that celebrated rebirth and fertility.

How did the Easter Bunny originate?

According to some sources, the Easter bunny first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and transported their tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Their children made nests in which this creature could lay its colored eggs.