Bunnies and eggs are associated with Easter primarily because both are ancient symbols of fertility, rebirth, and new life, themes central to springtime celebrations which preceded and influenced Easter traditions. Rabbits, known for their prolific breeding, were longstanding symbols of fertility and were linked to pagan spring festivals and goddesses like Eostre, from whom Easter likely gets its name. Eggs, also symbols of fertility and new life, were traditionally decorated and hunted as part of fertility rites and later Christian celebrations symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus. The Easter Bunny tradition likely originated in 17th century Germany where an egg-laying hare called "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws" was part of folklore. German immigrants brought the tradition to America, where the bunny became a gift-bringer of eggs, candy, and toys to children at Easter. Thus, the combined imagery of bunnies and eggs for Easter comes from blending pagan symbols of fertility and rebirth with Christian meanings of resurrection and renewal.
