Where did the pathetic idea of an Easter Bunny originate, and what's the meaning and purpose of it all?

Kainantu

The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season. The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have it's origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. And were made of pastry and sugar The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the 'Oschter Haws' was considered 'childhood's greatest pleasure' next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. The children believed that if they were good the 'Oschter Haws' would lay a nest of colored eggs. The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests . The use of elaborate Easter baskets would come later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through out the country. http://www.holidays.net/easter/bunny1.htm Apr 21 03, 1:01 AM

Gnomon

The Christians did not change the date of Easter. It is still celebrated based on the date in the Jewish calendar when the original event which it commemorates is supposed to have happened. The exact date is calculated by a complicated formula which was devised in the 3rd century AD, and is based on the phases of the moon. As the festival of Pasqua (as it was known) spread westward into Europe from Greece and the middle east, it supplanted the existing spring festivals of rebirth. The Easter Bunny was unknown in Europe up to about 30 years ago and seems to come from America. I can't tell how it got to America. Apr 22 03, 11:28 AM