THE LEGEND OF EASTER BUNNY
The Easter bunny is one of the most famous symbols of Easter.
HOW WAS BORN THE IDEA OF BUNNY AND WHAT IS ITS ROLE IN THE HOLIDAY?
The rumors of Easter bunny begin since XIII century, in the region of today German. Every spring, people from German, expressed honor of the goddess of fertility Eostre and in her honor they organized luxurious parties. The legends say that her own symbol was beautiful bird on her right hand, which one day suddenly turned into wild rabbit. But, because the rabbit remained with the soul of bird it continued to make nests and filled with colorful eggs. Some would ask “Why bunny?” Few people know that in fact the rabbit is a symbol of fertility, prosperity and well-being. Every spring bunnies increase their family, they give birth to several small rabbits, and that process continues until September. That’s why the bunnies became the symbol of new life and the symbol of spring. Later, around XVIII century German migrants transported story of Easter rabbit in Pennsylvania, USA. Soon after that, the legend of wild rabbit was heard on all continents. The legend also says that several hours before Easter the wild rabbit goes to every home and leaves colorful eggs. Over time, the character of the Easter Rabbit has turned into one of the symbols of Easter.
WHERE THE BUNNY LIVES?
According to some legends its location is unexplained secret. The story says that the bunny lives in a deep hole under the ground, where nobody can find it. There it keeps reserves of colorful eggs, chocolate candies and other sweet delights for children. According to other traditions, the Easter Rabbit lives near Easter Island. It is very hard to find its home because there is a secret road, which looks like maze. Rabbit chose this place because it felt safe and protected from people, and there it keeps the secret “treasure” for the children around the world.
EASTER BUNNY TODAY
Over time, all the children learned that the Easter Bunny does not exist, but the tradition is partly saved today. Today, parents still tell their children that if they are good throughout the year, the Easter Bunny will bring colorful eggs, chocolate eggs, sweet delights, toys, new clothes and new shoes. Although many people deny the Easter bunny, because is considered аs a pagan symbol, yet it is one way to make Easter more cheerful and joyful holiday for children.