Everyone knows that Easter has long been celebrated with family, friends and an abundance of chocolates, and other sweet treats. In fact, Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday, after Halloween, with chocolate eggs being the most popular choice for the occasion. But, how much do we truly know about the symbolic figures, like the world renowned Easter Bunny or the Classic Easter Egg Hunt?

The Easter Bunny

The history of the Easter Bunny dates back to the 1700s when German immigrants brought their tradition of an “egg-laying hare” to America. The significance of the hare is it's ancient symbolism of fertility, and new life. As such, became linked to the seasons changing and the renewal of spring. It is said that children would make nests so that the hare could lay it's famously colored eggs. Through time, this century old custom became more and more significant and the mythological creature grew to deliver chocolates, candies and gifts. Additionally, baskets would replace the nests and children would often leave out carrots for the “Easter Bunny,”- in case he grew hungry from all of the hopping around and gift giving!

The Easter Egg Hunt

Legend has it that the Easter Bunny would bring baskets filled with colorful eggs, candies, and toys to the homes of children the night before Easter. When the Easter Bunny pays his visit to homes, he would either put the baskets in plain view or would hide them. Sometimes inside and sometimes outside, for the children to find when they would wake up in the morning. This playful game, of hiding a basket of treats, gave rise to the tradition of the Easter egg hunt. The significance of the eggs, similar to the rabbit, is the representation of new life and fertility. And so, enjoy Easter with friends, family, and Baskits, and perhaps the Easter Bunny will pay you a visit!