History of Easter Bunny in Timeline

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Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is a popular folkloric figure and symbol associated with Easter. Originating in German Lutheran traditions, the Easter Hare, as it was initially known, served as a judge of children's behavior, determining if they deserved treats, much like Santa Claus. The Easter Bunny is known for carrying colored eggs, candy, and sometimes toys in a basket, which it delivers to children's homes. The tradition, documented as early as 1682, depicts the Easter Hare bringing eggs to children, marking it as a unique Easter custom with roots in European folklore.

1961: Christina Hole on the Hare and Ēostre

In 1961, Christina Hole wrote that the hare was the sacred beast of Eastre (or Ēostre), a Saxon goddess of Spring and of the dawn.

1993: BBC Documentary Shadow of the Hare

In 1993, the belief that Ēostre had a hare companion who became the Easter Bunny was popularized when it was presented as fact in the BBC documentary Shadow of the Hare.