Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
1 Cor. 15:3-4
(History and Helps for Enjoying Easter Traditions While Teaching Eternal Truths)
In the 13th century hares and rabbits were symbols of fertility because they reproduce so rapidly. Rabbits were the sacred animal of Eostre, the Anglo Saxon goddess of Spring and fertility.
Germany appears to be responsible for including the hare in Easter customs. They told tales of the Easter hare, Osterhase, who laid eggs for children to find. They also baked cakes for Easter in the shape of hares, and we may have them to thank for making the chocolate bunnies and eggs.
A possible reason for the link between the rabbit and the egg comes from the Pagans associating the rabbit with the moon and the egg with the sun. Easter comes during the spring equinox when day and night are the same length, thus the rabbit and the egg are together.
You can use the bunny as a reminder of the Resurrection. The bunny stays underground much of the winter and comes out in spring. And, as the scripture above states, Jesus was in the tomb 3 days and then came out of the tomb alive!
A great book to teach the real meaning of Easter is Easter Bunny, Are You For Real?
Even though the Easter Bunny has nothing to do with Jesus other than the fact that Jesus made bunnies, it can still be just good fun at Easter. And Easter should be a fun, happy time as we celebrate the greatest event in history!!!
1 Timothy 6:17 tells us God gives us all things to enjoy. So enjoy the chocolate bunnies and eggs 🙂
Now, just for fun, watch these Easter Bunny videos clips made by our sons.
