A fluffy white tail, large furry back feet, a pink whiskered nose and big floppy ears…the Easter Bunny is a very recognizable figure at this time of year. A delight for children with his adorned basket full of delicious chocolate eggs. A surprise he hides for little ones to find on Easter morning.
At Bears4U we have always been big fans of bunnies of all shapes and sizes so if you check out our Easter teddy bears you will find quite a selection of cuddly bunny rabbits of all sizes and colours. There are even some cute bunny blankies that are a perfect gift for a baby at Easter.
A bit about the history of Easter Gifts
The painting of Eggs at Easter time is thought to originate in the 13th Century with churches urging the parish to give up eggs for lent and then celebrating with hand painted eggs on Easter morning. Russia took this a step further in the Victorian times by gifting bejewelled eggs on Easter Sunday. More recently egg hunts (chocolate or decorated eggs) have been a popular activity, as well as rolling hard boiled eggs down hills (we’ve never quite understood this one!) but where does our furry friend fit into all this? How did a cute bunny rabbit start delivering eggs?
The appearance of a rabbit at Easter time is thought to come from the Pagan idea of fertility. With spring being the time of year for new life, and the rabbit representing the goddess of dawn and fertility. However, it is thought that a German hare called “Oschter Haws” was the first manifestation of the Easter Bunny we know and love today. The story, which was told to children during the start of spring depicts a large hare that lays colourful nests of eggs for well-behaved children.
In the 1700s German immigrants who settled in America are thought to have brought this story and tradition with them. Children would then prepare nests in the hope that they had been good enough for a visit from the elusive egg laying rabbit and leave out carrots to lure him to the nests.
The idea developed throughout America with nests being replaced by Easter baskets and “rabbit” eggs being replaced by chocolate eggs. These days the typical Easter bunny is a large white rabbit with a yellow bow, who brings gifts, chocolate and sweets to children. While this holiday is a large-scale event in the US, here in the UK we are a little more paired back. Easter traditions such as the Easter bunny are intertwined with other British Easter traditions such as hot cross buns, which are traditionally eaten on Good Friday. This delicious spiced bun marks the end of lent and the cross represents Jesus on the cross. We like ours lathered in butter…and are in fact partial to them at any time of year!
Other Easter traditions we embrace here in the UK include:
The Nutters dance
A tradition in Bacup which sees dancers with bells on their legs try to ward off evil spirits and has been happening since 1857.
Simnal cake
A marzipan fruit cake which is decorated with 11 or 12 marzipan balls to represent the 12 apostles, excluding Judas.
Maypole dancing
A celebration of spring, new life and the turning of the seasons Maypole dancers wrap long ribbons around a pole whilst dancing with bells on their shoes.
New Beginnings
Easter is a special time, a time when we can embrace new beginnings, spend time with our families and look forward to better weather and the hope of spring coming our way. For those still unable to visit their loved ones, an Easter cuddle from a cute bunny delivered to their door, is sure to help them feel loved and will definitely put a smile on their face. Most of our cuddly bunny teddy bears can be personalised with an embroidered jumper to make a very special gift.
The sunshine we have seen speckled in between the wet days lately have filled us with promise for the better days ahead. With news that some businesses will be able to open again in April we hope you are all feeling a little more hopeful. Happy Easter!
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