Easter FAQ

What do rabbits have to do with Easter?

Absolutely nothing. The rabbit is an ancient symbol of Oestra, Ishtar, and Ashtoreth. Considering the rabbit’s fertility, it is an appropriate emblem of these goddesses of fertility. This pagan symbol seems to have hung on for centuries, even though the goddesses it represents are long forgotten.

The “bunny” has become a deeply embedded symbol of secular Easter celebrations, but it will not be seen as a Christian symbol in any church (at least ! sincerely hope not!).

And what about eggs?

The egg has a distinctly Christian symbolism.

The chick emerging from the egg is symbolic of Christ emerging from the tomb. Early Christians would cut off the end of an egg and remove the contents, leaving the empty shell as a symbol of the empty tomb. It’s obvious that such a joyful symbol should be gaily decorated, and by the Middle Ages, Easter egg decoration had become a fine art form in many regions. By the time Fabergé wrought his magnificent jewelled eggs, the religious significance of them had been all but forgotten (although Tsar Nicholas gave a Fabergé egg to the Empress Alexandra every year at Easter).

The idea of the Easter bunny laying coloured Easter eggs is pure American whimsy.