How are eggs and the Easter Bunny linked to Easter?

Origins of Easter and Its Celebration

Easter focuses on remembering the resurrection that took place “on the first day of the week,” when the tomb was found empty (Luke 24:1–2). In the early centuries, Christian communities commemorated this miraculous event annually, drawing attention to the promise of new life. Over time, various cultural customs became linked to this celebration. Two of the most conspicuous are decorative eggs and the Easter Bunny. Although neither is explicitly recorded in Scripture, these practices have been interpreted by many as symbols of new life and hope, eternally rooted in the truth of the empty tomb.

Early Church Practices and Eggs

From the earliest centuries of the Church, believers emphasized fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to the day of resurrection remembrance. Some traditions included abstaining from certain foods during times of fasting, including eggs, which then became a special treat once the fast was concluded. Over time, they were colored or decorated, possibly to highlight the joy of Christ’s victory over the grave.

Archaeological studies in regions such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East have uncovered evidence of Christians coloring eggs centuries ago. In some of these areas, eggs were painted red to represent Christ’s shed blood, pointing to passages like John 19:34: “One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.” Though the painted egg tradition is not mandated by Scripture, it served (and still serves) as a meaningful reminder for many of the life that surged forth from the empty tomb.

Symbolism of the Egg

Eggs are widely recognized throughout many cultures as a representation of new life. Within Easter observances, this symbol can be connected to a central biblical truth: believers share in the hope of resurrection because Christ rose from the dead. Paul wrote, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). The egg, therefore, can serve as a practical object lesson, illustrating that just as life emerges from within, so the resurrected Christ offers new life to those who trust in Him.

Development of the Easter Bunny Tradition

The Easter Bunny tradition is often traced to European folktales, especially from regions of Germany. Rabbits are known for their prolific reproduction, and so they became symbols of abundant new life in springtime. Historical records indicate that German immigrants in North America popularized the idea of an egg-laying hare (“Osterhase”). Over time, this character evolved into the modern “Easter Bunny,” particularly in Western contexts.

Some hold that the quick spread of the bunny tradition was due to its whimsical nature, making it appealing to families and children celebrating the resurrection season. Many adopted bunny imagery as a friendly, festive addition, though it was never a core element of Christian teaching. In the same way eggs are a reminder of renewed life, rabbits became a playful nod to the springtime renewal that parallels the hope found in Christ’s resurrection.

Biblical Perspective on Cultural Traditions

Scripture does not prescribe Easter eggs or the Easter Bunny, yet believers through history have sometimes used them as teaching tools to point to biblical truth. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we read: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” This verse serves as a guiding principle for how Christians handle cultural expressions that are not explicitly detailed in the Bible.

While many embrace Easter eggs and the bunny as harmless customs that can open conversations about the resurrection, others remain cautious, preferring to focus exclusively on scriptural accounts of the risen Christ. Nevertheless, the abiding core is the same: Jesus “was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25).

Possible Concerns About Pagan Origins

Some argue that rabbits and eggs stem from ancient fertility rites, leading to questions about appropriating non-biblical customs. It is true that various springtime festivals from multiple ancient cultures included eggs and hares as fertility symbols. However, much of what is commonly practiced today developed independently over time or was reinterpreted as a metaphor for revival and renewed life.

When evaluating such traditions, believers have historically examined their own intentions. If the focus remains on celebrating the resurrection and pointing hearts toward the truth proclaimed in the New Testament, many consider these tangible symbols to be a beneficial accessory rather than a distraction.

Practical and Devotional Use

Egg hunts, egg-decorating, or tales of the Easter Bunny can be occasions for families to talk about deeper themes of Scripture. For instance, coloring an egg can spark a discussion on how the sealed tomb burst with resurrection life, just as the shell is broken for new life to emerge. Children (and adults alike) can enjoy these customs while hearing about the truth Paul declared: “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54).

Those who keep these traditions find creative ways to highlight the core message of Easter. Some families place Bible verses inside plastic eggs, use resurrection-themed storybooks along with the hunts, or discuss the difference between fun seasonal customs and the eternal hope found in Christ’s victory over the grave.

Historical Verification of the Resurrection

Although eggs and the Easter Bunny are not part of the biblical text, they are connected to a celebration grounded in historical reality. Leading archaeological and textual evidence—such as the manuscripts that preserve the accounts of the risen Christ, the testimony of the empty tomb, and the recorded appearances of Jesus to multiple witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3–7)—reinforce the reliability of the resurrection events. This undergirds the deeper reason for Easter celebrations and sets them apart from mere seasonal festivities.

Conclusion: Linking Eggs and the Easter Bunny to Easter

Eggs and the Easter Bunny are secondary cultural elements that merge historical folk traditions with the primary Christian celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Though they do not originate from Scripture, many find them useful, child-friendly tools to underscore the message of new life in the risen Lord. At the heart of Easter is the sure hope of salvation, anchored in the empty tomb and proclaimed by centuries of believers who trusted in these words: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6).

Those who choose to incorporate eggs or the Easter Bunny into their festivities can do so in a way that directs attention back to the essential truth. However these customs are used, the focus remains the same: Christ’s triumph over death, granting everlasting life to all who believe.