Friday Fact: the Easter Bunny



The Easter Bunny - or Osterhase - is German.

This generous hare was first 'sighted' in the small towns including and surrounding Alsace, Germany in the 1600's. The first edible Easter Bunnies (made of pastry and sugar) were made in Germany during the early 1800's.

Osterhase made his way to America in the 1700's with the German settlers who came to the Pennsylvania Dutch country.

Traditionally, children would build brightly colored nests (often out of their caps and bonnets) and leave them in secluded areas in their home. Then, if the children were good, Osterhase would lay brightly colored eggs in their nests.

Then, as is the habit, America took the idea and RAN with it. Now the nests are manufactured baskets, and the brightly colored eggs are - well - brightly colored chocolate.

Now you can show off your incredible Easter Bunny knowledge at Easter dinner this weekend - while also sharing thoughts about the REAL reason we celebrate Easter, please.

HAPPY EASTER, ALL!

1 comments:

Diana Larson said...

I soooo wish I would have used my bonnet for my basket and would have used brightly colored eggs instead of candy. Thanks for sharing this.