How The Easter Bunny Fits In

Religious holidays are unique in many ways. As we celebrate them we want to enjoy the fun things associated with the season but we don’t want to forget how our religion comes into play. This sometimes poses a dilemma for parents and confusion for children.

As parents we want to do whatever we can to insure that our children have fun. We want them to have great childhood memories that are treasured. But at the same time, we don’t want them to feel like they are missing out on fun things in life that other children enjoy. For some parents, The Easter Bunny is a somewhat questionable character. Much like Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny is said to be a commercialized aspect of a religious holiday.

Earlier posts have discussed the history of Easter and the early beginnings that included the pagan ‘Eastre’ springtime celebration. The rabbit was used in this celebration as a symbol of fertility and new beginnings. As the pagan festivals were converted to Christian holidays Eastre became Easter, and the rabbit was brought along with the celebrations. However, the symbolism is said to have changed from that of fertility to the symbolism of innocence, and a vulnerable creature that can be sacrificed, much like the lamb. For Christians, these symbols are tokens of Christ and the sacrifice he made.

With that in mind, parents can explain to children why it is a rabbit that delivers the Easter goodies. But in many cases, at least until the kids are a little older, they will only care that The Easter Bunny is coming to their house and that he is going to bring the treats they especially want. The tradition of writing letters to The Easter Bunny can help parents iron out this dilemma when working to make the religious connection between The Easter Bunny and the holiday.

The point is that The Easter Bunny letters are generally written as a family activity. There’s no better time to have a discussion about how The Easter Bunny came into the picture than that time. This is a great opportunity to talk about the things you feel are important about the holiday.

Your children will learn from you as they have fun writing the letters and carrying out other fun activities. The religious connection will be made while the kids enjoy the traditional Easter Bunny treats. It really is possible to enjoy a religious Easter that includes The Easter Bunny.