Here is a Victorian Easter bunny, ready for his big day with a pile of colored eggs! We have over 100 Easter bunnies in our vintage images collection. While I love the Easter angels and children and chicks, I have a special fondness for the bunnies! Like many holiday traditions, the Easter rabbit has its origins in pre-Christian times and was adapted to Christian celebrations. The rabbit or hare (like the egg) is an ancient symbol of rebirth and fertility, associated with the rebirth and renewal of plant life in the Spring.
The name Easter seems to have come from the ancient Germanic month of eostre, named for a goddess Eoster (similar to Ishtar and Aphrodite). In many countries the holiday is called Paques or Pask, from the Greek word for Passover -- our charming French postcards say Joyeuses Paques!
The Easter rabbit tradition began in Germany, where children filled their hats or bonnets with grass to create a special nest where the Easter rabbit might lay brightly colored eggs. Beautiful Easter baskets (still filled with grass) developed later, as did Victorian-era Easter greeting cards and postcards.
Did you know that RED and GREEN were the original traditional colors for Easter eggs? Red and green are the colors most commonly associated with Life and Renewal/Rebirth (which is why they are Christmas colors!) Our Easter pastels seem to be a later, Victorian custom inspired by the colors of spring flowers.
However you celebrate, have a blessed Easter weekend!
Check out the links below for more vintage Easter:
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I appreciate your visit and your comments! ~ Karen