The Easter Bunny first appeared in this European country

It is believed that the Germanic fertility goddess 'Eastra' is at the origin of the hare character, as she was said to appear on Earth in the form of a hare. Moreover, in English, 'Easter' is still used to refer to the holiday.

Around the year 1500, a figure known as the Easter Bunny was first mentioned. This creature was a symbol of fertility, as hares reproduce very quickly and abundantly. From 1800, edible Easter bunnies first appeared. Initially, the Easter Bunny was made from dough and sugar, and only later was it moulded in chocolate. In 1825, the Easter Bunny was first mentioned in Dutch literature, through a translation of a German book. German migrants brought the symbolism of the Easter Bunny to the Netherlands. Over the years, the symbolism of the Easter Bunny evolved under the influence of commercialisation.

(FVDV - Photo: ©Unsplash)