I always wondered about the story of the Easter Bunny. But despite my curiosity, I never researched on it to know what the Easter Bunny meant or symbolized. Finally, I did and I absolutely loved it. Here’s a retelling;
The Easter Bunny myth became popular around the 19th century. The idea was culled from the fact that rabbits usually give birth to a lot of kittens at a time. This is a symbolic representation of ‘New Life!’ Also, the story goes on to say that the Easter Bunny lays eggs, decorates them and hides them which (when found) represent new life.
In modern day, the Easter Bunny is quite synonymous to Santa— who shows up at Christmas, bearing gifts for children who have been good all year. What the modern day “Easter Bunny” does is sneak into the house through an opening— definitely not the chimney; that’s for Santa— and hides its colourful eggs around the house. Best part, those eggs are very easy to find, are openable and have chocolate pieces in them.
If you didn’t know the Easter Bunny story before now, there you have it. Although in cultures like Nigeria’s, we may not really relate with such traditions and myths, but if you are a believer, then you should be able to relate with this;
The Easter Bunny: a Folklore Retelling of EASTER!
Easter is celebrated every year; not as huge as Christmas, but a celebration all the same. It is a holiday commemorating the arrest, death and resurrection of Jesus. No Easter story is complete without these notable processions duly in place.
In fact, the Easter story begins with Palm Sunday, moves down to the Passover, the betrayal/arrest of Jesus, Peter’s denial, Jesus’ trial, His unjust crucifixion and finally, His resurrection. (Did I miss anything out?)
These processes combined are what makes the Easter story. But beyond the story is its significance.
The Significance of Easter
After reading the Easter Bunny story, I was particularly drawn to the ‘new life’ phrase because really, isn’t that what Jesus offers?
- The Betrayal
Allow yourself be a child for a few minutes and believe the Easter Bunny story to be true. The bunny goes through a process of birthing its young. And if rabbits have such a hard time bringing forth their young— as humans do— then it makes the story even more beautiful.
The birth process is a necessary process that must take place if those eggs would ever come to being. Well, so was Jesus’ betrayal and arrest.
Betrayal in any form is never a pleasant experience, and what hurts most is that it is usually from a person who is supposed to ‘have your back’! If such happens to you, brace yourself up— no matter how difficult— and move on. Wallowing in that state will not help you anyway.
Easier said than done, yes! But still possible.
- The Crucifixion
Uh-oh! Birth pangs just got heightened. Have you ever been punished— say in class— for a wrong you didn’t commit, while the actual culprit sat and watched? How did you feel then? How do you feel now knowing Jesus did same for you?
New life in Christ is found within the crucifixion. Kinda like the bunny’s eggs. It’s hidden, yet easily accessible. In fact, it’s easier accessing Jesus’ redemption than it is to accessing the bunny’s not-so-hidden eggs.
- The Resurrection
Ah, yes! The Crux of the matter. The one reason we do celebrate such a tragic death. We have access to New Life because one man, Jesus, yielded in obedience.
The shed blood of Jesus assures you of victory in every facet of life. If you want to know more about the power of the blood of Jesus, read here from the You Version Bible App .
Happy Easter to you, lovelies. May the resurrecting power make alive in you.
Sending love and light your way,
Zoey.
Zoey 