why is easter associated with bunnies

The Easter bunny is associated with Easter because it originated from ancient pagan traditions that symbolized fertility and rebirth. Rabbits and hares were considered symbols of fertility due to their high reproductive rates and were linked to spring festivals celebrating renewal. The tradition is believed to trace back to a pagan goddess named Eostre (or Ostara), associated with spring and fertility, whose symbol was a hare. A myth tells that this hare laid eggs as a sign of rebirth. This symbolism was absorbed into Christian Easter celebrations, which mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ and new life. The Easter Bunny tradition was brought to America by German immigrants in the 18th century, who told stories of the "Osterhase," a hare that laid colorful eggs for children to find. Over time, this evolved into the modern Easter Bunny, a figure who brings eggs and gifts to children as part of the holiday festivities. In summary, the Easter Bunny symbolizes fertility, renewal, and new life, linking ancient pagan springtime symbols with Christian Easter themes of resurrection and rebirth, and the tradition has been popularized and adapted over centuries into the figure known today.