What's up witht he Easter bunny?

[Pard]

OK, let's avoid debate. I am seriously just wondering what the heck bunnies have to do with eggs and Jesus' resurrection.

I mean first of all, what does a bunny have to do with eggs? They don't eat them or lay them... And then what does either have to do with Jesus? :

 

[Alabaster]

 

[Mike]

It is an odd combination of unassociated things, that's for sure. We celebrated Easter with the kids first and foremost in the reflection of Jesus' Resurrection, but we also did the basket thing until the youngest was too old. It's fun. Some my cry "paganism", but I've seen a list of pagan things most people take for granted and use every day. It would be nearly impossible to avoid them.

But to your point, the different parts that have crept in with one another are kinda laughable. Yeah, I don't recall bunnies laying eggs or eating them either. I can see the symbolism of the egg with Easter, but why not a hen bring the eggs? "The Easter Hen". But an "Easter Hen" is WAY out there! Too unbelievable. ;)

 

[jasoncran]

OK, let's avoid debate. I am seriously just wondering what the heck bunnies have to do with eggs and Jesus' resurrection.

I mean first of all, what does a bunny have to do with eggs? They don't eat them or lay them... And then what does either have to do with Jesus? :

The easter egg, its history and origin

In order to understand anything about the Goddess Eostre (or the Goddess or Goddesses worshiped at that time) we must draw on the traditions associated with the holy tide. Grimm in his Teutonic Mythology maintained that "Ostara, Eástre, was goddess of the growing light of spring." The date of the holy tide would make this a reasonable conclusion. Holy water in the form of the dew or water collected from brooks was gathered at this time. Washing with it was said to restore youth. Beautiful maidens in sheer white were said to seen frolicking in the country side. Also according to Grimm, the white maiden of Osterrode, was said to appear with a large batch of keys at her belt, and stride to the brook to collect water on Easter morning. Cross buns were of course baked and eaten. While this could be a Christian addition, that cakes were often use in Heathen rites is apparent in any survey of the lore. And the cross may be symbolic of the rune Gebo or the buns may represent the sun wheel. Easter eggs seem to go fairly far back in both English and continental celebrations, and of course symbolize the beginning of new life. The hare also known for its fertility appears fairly early in Easter celebrations. Bonfires and vigils also seemed to play a role in many Easter rites

from here

Eostre

 

[Chris]

Every time this comes up it usually ends up in discussion of old pagan worship practices incorporated into modern society. I read this once cant vouch for its credibility but there might be some truth in it... I m not sure.

The Pagan Origin Of Easter

i think some of it is suspect for sure, but its just another attempt at an explanation.
easter wasnt first invented entirely by us christians- I think it was around a bit before.

 

[ronniechoate34]

Eggs, rabbits, bonnets. It's all pagan fertility stuff.


There's nothing Christ like about celabrating easter.


That's all that I have to say about that.


I'm not gonna get sucked into another useless debate on this forum or any other one for that matter. I think it's a sin, and it's not even a very tempting sin either.

 

[Lehigh3]

Yes, like Christmas, Easter is probably too commercialized, but no reason to have nothing tangible that exemplifies your faith, I think. Christ is no longer on the cross, yet I have no problem with the wearing crosses- in fact I do have an awesome one!

Most religions have pagan roots. Why take the joy out of a holiday? Didn't Abraham come from pagan roots? God took him out of Ur- Gen.15:7; Ne.9:7.

Don't miss the joy of the Lord!

 

[Vic C.]

OK, let's avoid debate. I am seriously just wondering what the heck bunnies have to do with eggs and Jesus' resurrection.

I mean first of all, what does a bunny have to do with eggs? They don't eat them or lay them... And then what does either have to do with Jesus? :

I don't know but I heard that if the Easter Bunny doesn't see it's shadow, then...


wait, wrong animal.


Hi Chris, this is what I have seen many times and believe it could have some merit:

According to St. Bede, an English historian of the early 8th century, Easter owes its origin to the old Teutonic mythology. It was derived from the name Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, to whom the month of April was dedicated. The festival of Eostre was celebrated at the vernal equinox, when the day and night gets an equal share of the day.

The English name "Easter" is much newer. When the early English Christians wanted others to accept Christianity, they decided to use the name Easter for this holiday so that it would match the name of the old spring celebration. This made it more comfortable for other people to accept Christianity.

Easter History

If I remember correctly, the bunny signifies fertility and the egg, new birth or new beginning.

I'm not gonna get sucked into another useless debate on this forum or any other one for that matter. I think it's a sin, and it's not even a very tempting sin either.

Same here ronnie. Good job.

 

[Chris]

I don't know but I heard that if the Easter Bunny doesn't see it's shadow, then...


wait, wrong animal.


Hi Chris, this is what I have seen many times and believe it could have some merit:

Easter History

If I remember correctly, the bunny signifies fertility and the egg, new birth or new beginning.


Same here ronnie. Good job.

LOl the pagans and anybody else cant hold a light to what the retailers have done to easter. The holy gluttony season that partners the holy retail and greed season in December. Pagan symbology is minor compared to blatant sinfulness in encouraging people to seek fulfillment in material things.