The Easter Bunny Attacks

The Easter bunny attacks this Sunday. For me personally, Easter is one of my most favorite holidays.  In fact – it is my favorite.  I just love everything about it – the process of dyeing or stuffing eggs with friends and family.  Easter baskets are always so fun and sweet to put together and the wonder of children seeking on finding eggs rivals Christmas morning.

I did a little research on the origins of our Easter traditions as I hadn’t ever wondered where it all began until last week when a friend of mine told me they do not do Easter egg hunts where she comes from.

The exact origins of this mythical mammal are unclear, but rabbits, known to be prolific procreators, are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life. According to some sources, the Easter bunny first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and transported their tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Their children made nests in which this creature could lay its colored eggs. Eventually, the custom spread across the U.S. and the fabled rabbit’s Easter morning deliveries expanded to include chocolate and other types of candy and gifts, while decorated baskets replaced nests. Additionally, children often left out carrots for the bunny in case he got hungry from all his hopping.

History.com

Decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back to at least the 13th century, according to some sources. One explanation for this custom is that eggs were formerly a forbidden food during the Lenten season, so people would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration.

History.com

Easter egg hunts and egg rolling are two popular egg-related traditions. In the U.S., the White House Easter Egg Roll, a race in which children push decorated, hard-boiled eggs across the White House lawn, is an annual event held the Monday after Easter. The first official White House egg roll occurred in 1878, when Rutherford B. Hayes was president.

History.com

For me, Easter has always had an extra special place in my heart.  Growing up I would ski race in the Small Fry race every year at Stevens Pass in Washington State.  They had a huge Easter egg hunt and all the mountain children would dye the eggs the night before in giant buckets full of dye.  Our arms would be blue or red all the way up to our elbows. The next morning all the little racers would seek the elusive golden egg – if you found it you could exchange it for an Easter basket.

So fast forward 20 years to adult me now – last year I started a race at our mountain, Mission Ridge in Washington called the Squirrel Cup.  It is for kids ages 4 to 13 and we host a over 1400 egg hunt as well as candy throw, money toss and our awards are plush Squirrels and other woodland creatures.  The kids go crazy for it and I really think there is no better way to celebrate as with each other.  Traditions and childhood memories run so strong in our blood.  Be sure to pass your traditions onto those you love – it’s what we all remember when we grow up.

To make your Easter super special hop on over to Grandpa Shorter’s. We promise you’ll find lots of goodies to fill the Easter baskets!

Happy Easter to you and yours,

Alex Shorter
West Coast Shorter Wife