Assignment 4-1 Easter

Who is the Easter Bunny?
 

               The Easter Holiday is a widely celebrated holiday in the U.S. and among Christians around the world. Most of you know the religious reason for celebrating Easter; Jesus resurrected from the dead and rose up to Heaven. However, in today’s society many families celebrate by having the “Easter Bunny” come and bring candy and small toys to children, decorating Easter eggs, and having Easter egg hunts. So where do all these rituals come from and how does it affect modern society?

                First of all, the Easter bunny originated in 13^th century springtime Germany, where they worshipped Eostre, the goddess of spring (D'Souza, 2011).  She was represented by a “comely maiden carrying a basket filled with dyed-red eggs and little cuddly baby hares (D'Souza, 2011).”  Eventually the idea of the basket, eggs, and bunnies stayed, while the goddess became an Easter Bunny. These rituals were passed down to early settlers in the United States. In the early 1700’s children even left carrots out for the bunny to eat if he got hungry along the way (D'Souza, 2011).   The mixture of pagan and secular views were mixed together over time to combine the tradition of the bunny with eggs, and the religious holiday of Easter, since both celebrations take place during the spring.

                This holiday has affected popular culture today because this holiday is marketed to the media. Some rituals we celebrate are the purchasing of Easter baskets, Easter candy, toys, dying eggs, and having Easter egg hunts. Also girls and boys are expected to dress up in their best “Easter outfits.” Since I work at a retail store, the purchase of dresses and suits and toys has increased in the past two weeks. Many people may worry that the true meaning of Easter is lost. I believe that the religious message of the Easter holiday can still be maintained if you make it the focal point of your celebrations. Anyways, would Easter still be as fun without the Easter bunny, candy, and egg hunts?

Works Cited

D'Souza, K. (2011, April 19). Why is there an Easter Bunny? Retrieved April 22, 2011, from MercuryNews: http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_17869734?source=rss&nclick_check=1