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Not sure what eggs and bunnies have to do with Easter? Here’s the story of how they stole the Easter spotlight.
Easter is a deeply religious celebration marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And yet — somehow — we’ve ended up with chocolate eggs, pastel colours, and a mysterious bunny that delivers gifts like a springtime Santa Claus. So, how did that happen?
Well, like many things we love today, Easter eggs and bunnies are the result of different traditions blending over time — some religious, some cultural, and some just… very good at marketing.
Eggs: the original symbol of new life
Easter eggs in a nest by Aleyna Catak via Unsplash To begin with, the symbolism of eggs was a big deal long before Easter became what it is today.
Across ancient cultures, from Persia to parts of Europe, eggs symbolised new life, rebirth, and the arrival of spring. After a long, harsh winter, people shared eggs as a way of welcoming the new weather.
Now, here’s where things start to connect. Early Christians adopted the egg as a symbol of Jesus’ resurrection. Just as a chick breaks out of its shell, Christ rose from the tomb, so the egg became a simple and powerful metaphor. However, there’s also a more practical reason eggs became part of Easter traditions.
During Lent (the 40 days leading up to Easter), people in medieval Europe often avoided eating animal products — including eggs. So by the time Easter arrived, there was a surplus of eggs waiting to be eaten. Naturally, people got creative.
All kinds of superstitions also surrounded Easter eggs. For instance, eggs laid on Good Friday were believed to turn into diamonds if kept for a hundred years, and a double-yolked egg was said to be a sign of impending wealth. Some people believed that eggs cooked on Good Friday and eaten on Easter Sunday could boost fertility or even protect against sudden death. Over time, it became a common tradition for people to have their eggs blessed before eating them.
Additionally, people started boiling, decorating, and eventually gifting them. And just like that, Easter eggs went from simple food to a festive symbol.
The bunny: cute, chaotic, and surprisingly ancient
A bunny by Janan via Unsplash Now, the bunny is where things get slightly more… unexpected.
Rabbits have long been associated with fertility and abundance, mainly because they reproduce very quickly. So in many ancient traditions, they became symbols of renewal. However, the “Easter Bunny” as we know it today came from German folklore.
There’s a story about a hare called “Osterhase” who would lay eggs for children to find — yes, a rabbit laying eggs, don’t overthink it. Children would build nests, and if they were well-behaved, the hare would leave eggs behind.
Eventually, German immigrants took this tradition with them to places like the United States. Over time, the hare became a bunny (arguably cuter, better for branding), and the eggs became chocolate.
And just like that, Easter eggs and bunnies became inseparable.
Read also: My Easter evolution through the years — from childhood fun to cherishing family bond
How chocolate and capitalism sealed the deal
Easter eggs and bunnies by Alisa Orlova via Unsplash Of course, we can’t ignore the modern glow-up of these traditions. By the 19th century, confectioners in Europe started making chocolate eggs. The real turning point came in 1916, when the Bortz Chocolate Company in Reading, Pennsylvania, began mass-producing chocolate bunnies — and then made them genuinely fun. By 1934, they were giving the bunnies personalities: one played the accordion, another drove a car. Children started asking for specific bunnies by name, and just like that, the chocolate Easter bunny wasn’t just a treat — it was a character.
Today, Easter is just as much about joy, family, and indulgence as it is about its religious roots. Egg hunts, bunny mascots, and over-the-top chocolate displays have become part of the experience.
So… is it all random or does it actually make sense?
A black family painting Easter eggs by Getty Images via Unsplash Surprisingly, it does. When you strip it down, both eggs and bunnies point back to the same idea: life, renewal, and fresh beginnings. That’s the thread holding everything together, even if it comes wrapped in chocolate foil and pastel packaging.
So while Easter eggs and bunnies might look like a quirky, almost random pairing, they reflect how traditions evolve, blending symbolism, culture, and a bit of playful imagination over time.
And that’s what Easter is really about. Whether it’s observed in church, at home with family, or simply enjoyed as a long weekend filled with food and laughter, the meaning underneath still remains: renewal, hope, and starting again.
In that sense, Easter eggs and bunnies might not come from religious scripture, but they’ve become part of how people feel about the season: joyful, light, and a little bit indulgent.
Read more: Looking to relax this Easter holiday? Here are 4 staycation spots perfect for you
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