🐇 Where Did the Easter Bunny Come From?
The Easter Bunny may not appear in religious texts, but it has become a beloved symbol of Easter, the most significant celebration in Christianity. While its exact origins are uncertain, the bunny has long been a representation of fertility, rebirth, and new beginnings—making it the perfect mascot for a springtime holiday.
Some historians trace the bunny’s American debut to the 1700s, when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania, bringing with them tales of the “Osterhase”, an egg-laying hare. Children would craft nests for the magical bunny to leave colorful eggs in. Over time, this tradition evolved—nests became baskets, and eggs were joined by chocolates and candies.
And yes, even the carrots children leave out for the bunny have a history! It’s said that kids hoped to reward the bunny’s effort after all that hopping around.
🐣 Easter Traditions and Their Pagan Roots
Easter is a religious holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, but many of its customs—like decorating eggs—have pagan origins, sush as the Easter Bunny.
In pre-Christian spring festivals, eggs symbolized fertility and renewal. For Christians, they now represent the resurrected Christ and new life. The act of painting eggs dates back to at least the 13th century, when eggs were often forbidden during Lent. People would decorate them as a joyful way to break the fast on Easter Sunday.
🍬 A Celebration of Candy and The Easter Bunny.
Easter has become the second-largest candy-selling holiday in the U.S., just behind Halloween. Among the favorites:
- Chocolate eggs (popular since the early 1800s in Europe)
- Jelly beans, introduced in the 1930s
- Marshmallow Peeps, invented in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Jelly beans, interestingly, may have descended from Turkish Delight, a soft and chewy candy dating back to ancient times.
Fun Fact: The U.S. produces over 16 billion jelly beans every Easter—enough to fill a giant egg 89 feet tall and 60 feet wide!
🧁 The Sweetest Easter Treats at Ethnology and The Easter Bunny
At Ethnology, we celebrate Easter with a collection of globally-inspired sweets that reflect the joy and renewal of spring.
Our Easter Celebration Basket is packed with:
🌸 Floral-shaped lollipops
🍫 Chocolates from around the world
🍬 Unique candies that make the perfect Easter gift
Whether you’re surprising a loved one, hosting brunch, or setting up a colorful Easter egg hunt, this basket brings international flair to your holiday.
🐑 Traditional Easter Foods: From Lamb to Chocolate
Lamb is one of the most traditional Easter dishes. It symbolizes Jesus as the “Lamb of God”, a reference rooted in Jewish Passover tradition. Early Christians, many of whom came from Jewish backgrounds, carried the practice into Easter celebrations.
Lamb also makes seasonal sense—it was often the first fresh meat available after winter.
Pair this savory dish with sweets like chocolate eggs or pastel candies for a well-rounded Easter spread!
🌸 Easter Lilies and Symbols of Rebirth
Another staple of Easter decor is the white Easter Lily, a flower symbolizing purity, rebirth, and hope. Introduced to England in 1777 and brought to the U.S. after WWI, these blooms have become a staple in churches and homes alike during the season.
🧢 The Easter Parade: A Timeless American Tradition
In New York City, the Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue remains a festive highlight. Participants wear elaborately decorated hats and walk along a section of the avenue closed to traffic. Though the parade itself isn’t religious, it has roots in Christian processionals.
Many cities across the U.S. now host their own Easter parades, mixing old traditions with new expressions of celebration.
💐 Celebrate Easter the Ethnology Way
Whether you’re honoring religious traditions or simply embracing the joy of spring, Easter is a time for connection, sweetness, and celebration. At Ethnology, we believe in making every celebration a little more special through thoughtfully curated sweets from around the world.
🛍️ Shop our limited-edition Easter Celebration Basket at
👉 www.ethnologysweets.com
Surprise your loved ones this Easter with treats as unique and colorful as the season itself.
If you are looking for the perfect gift to share with friends and family this easter check out this video.
