A Conversation with the Legendary Easter Bunny
Interview By Johnny Birdsong
We all know the real meaning of Easter. If not, it’s time to hear the good news. Easter offers us a promise for the future and hope and joy for today through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, that's the TRUE story of Easter. What about the more secular side of this welcome to spring. As early as the seventeenth century, German folklore references the legend of Oschter Haws, German for “Easter hare.” The mythical rabbit who visited children while they slept and rewarded them with colored eggs for their good behavior, which it left in nests that German children made from hats.
I know that at our house, we get excited about this “Easter Bunny,” but who is he? I had the opportunity to learn more as we prepare for him to hop on in to town. I am happy to share a conversation with Peter Cottontail, no finer a Southern Gentleman to be found.
Wow! I have wanted to meet you all my life. So, looking forward to talking with and learning more about you. Let’s dive down the rabbit hole to separate fact from fiction and bust a few hare-raising myths. Tell me a little about yourself.
PC: I live on Easter Island, of course. My family has lived here for many years. Its subtropical weather is perfect at sixty-five to seventy-five degrees year-round and sunny. We are originally from Germany. My heritage goes back to the 1600s. I am part of the “Hare” family. Arctic hares, more specifically, our fur turns white in the winter so as to blend in with ice and snow but blue-gray in the spring and summer to match rocks and vegetation. When I got older, we moved to a warmer climate to escape the cold.
When did you start visiting kids on Easter?
PC: In 1682, it all began in Germany laying eggs in the garden, which children would hunt for — just like your Easter egg hunts today. I started out as a judge of sorts, deciding what kids were “naughty or nice” and leaving eggs for the ones who were nice. I guess I have grown soft, or my heart is bigger, but today I want to visit all the children. All kids are “good,” and some need some joy in their lives. In 1757, I brought my bit of happiness to America and elsewhere; traditions surrounding the “Easter Bunny” (Hare) grew more elaborate with time, featuring chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs, as well as toys. If you’re keeping score on my age, yes, almost 350 years, but I don’t look a day over 250!
Dolly Parton once said, “I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and true love. Don’t even try to tell me different.” And why not? What do you say to those who don’t believe?
PC: We all need something to believe in. Especially our children. Having hope is what Easter is all about. So why not make it amazing for them? All I am doing is bringing happiness, hope and dreams.
What does Easter mean to you?
PC: It is a time to celebrate life. A time for new beginnings. The great gift of Easter is HOPE. Hope for us all.
Easter has become very commercialized. Do you think that takes away from the meaning?
PC: No. I love it. Eight out of ten people celebrate Easter as they should. Yes, it is very commercialized. In fact, it is estimated that there will be $20 billion dollars spent on Easter candy, clothes, and flowers this year – about $250 dollars per household with children. Everyone should have a chocolate bunny.
Obviously, I think you should celebrate. Make family traditions with your family. One way to celebrate is to have an Easter egg hunt. Easter egg hunts are proof that children can find things when they really look. You can even start a new neighborhood or community egg hunt like The White House’s annual Easter Egg Roll, which began in 1878. What a great excuse to get together.
You could even buy new outfits for the family in your favorite pastel colors. Back in the mid-1800s in New York, people believed that buying new clothes to wear on Easter would bring them good luck for the rest of the year. And, lucky for us, the custom continues today.
You can have the family together for dinner after church and take many photos. Your grandchildren will be glad you did.
Thank you, Peter. What a pleasure it has been to speak with you.
In closing, this Easter, teach your children the gift of giving. If you know a person who is alone, visit them. Brighten their Easter with an Easter basket or invite them for dinner. Or treat a family who maybe can’t spend the $250 dollars, with some Peeps and candied eggs. Why not make a family Easter basket, take food, give a gift card…and give a smile and a warm hug? Afterall, the TRUTH of Easter starts and ends with the greatest love of all time. Spread that love at Easter and always.
- JLB
