Winter held the land in its icy grip, freezing the forests and fields. Eostre, a goddess full of light and life, used her powers to loosen winter’s hold over the land. She sent her messenger, the rabbit, to leave eggs around the homes of the humans as symbols of new life, to let them know that spring was on its way. Soon the land came to life again; leaves sprouted on trees, flowers bloomed, eggs hatched, and birds sang.
This is an ancient German myth about the coming of spring. The word Easter is based on the name “Eostre.” The rabbit or bunny and eggs became important symbols in Germany for the Easter holiday. Areas of Germany and eastern Europe are known for their elaborately dyed and painted Easter eggs. Children built little nests of grass in their caps or bonnets for the Easter bunny to place its eggs and treats, but soon baskets replaced the caps and bonnets.
German, Polish, and other European settlers to the United States brought with them their traditions of Easter rabbits, decorated eggs, and baskets of treats. During the late 1860s, many Americans started sharing in the fun traditions of their new European neighbors. Chocolate bunnies and eggs are now very popular treats to receive on Easter. More than ninety million chocolate bunnies are sold each year.
There are large Easter parades in many North American cities and contests for the most beautiful Easter hats or bonnets. Many North Americans celebrate Easter with rabbits, eggs, and flowers; wearing bright, new clothes; attending church services; sharing treats in the shape of rabbits, eggs, and chicks; having Easter egg-rolling races; and having Easter egg hunts. In 1876, President Andrew Johnson had an Easter egg hunt for his family outside the White House in Washington, D.C., the home of the president of the United States. A few years later, the White House started the annual tradition of sponsoring a special Easter egg hunt and egg-rolling race on the South Lawn. You will not need to hunt for fun ideas for decorations to help you celebrate Easter; just turn the page!