Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the season of Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs. Yes, Easter is approaching, and I can already feel the refreshing air and the blooming flowers that signal the end of winter’s gloom. While I cherish the sense of renewal that spring brings and the happiness surrounding the Easter festivities, I have always found the Easter Bunny to be utterly unsettling.
From a young age, I struggled to understand how a giant rabbit fit into the Easter narrative. For Christians, Easter symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus, yet I can’t recall any Bible story involving Mary hiding colorful eggs around His tomb.
The Easter Bunny just doesn’t make sense, and honestly, he gives off some serious creepy vibes. I remember lying in bed as a kid, terrified on the night before this oversized rodent was supposed to deliver a basket of treats and chocolates. The idea of a life-sized bunny hopping through my house was enough to send me scrambling to hide in my closet. How did this creature manage to avoid toppling furniture or leaving behind enormous droppings? Kids really are that trusting.
Even back in the ’80s, the Easter Bunny was undeniably eerie, as evidenced by this unsettling photo:
When I became a parent, I faced the challenge of introducing the Easter Bunny to my children, all while grappling with my own fears about the concept. “Kids, be good or a giant rodent armed with jelly beans and excessive plastic grass won’t visit us!” sounded absurd. Yet, I went along with it for the sake of my Reese’s PB cravings. No judgment, please!
I often heard tales from friends who told their kids that the bunnies in the yard were spies for the Easter Bunny, which left me questioning how we got here. It’s bad enough that I have to uphold the myth of a jolly man in a red suit squeezing through my chimney. Now I must convince my kids that a rabbit, a tooth-collecting fairy, and an exuberant leprechaun invade our home every year? What’s wrong with us, parents?
According to Mental Floss, “A wise man once told me that all religions are beautiful and all religions are wacko, but even if you allow for miracles, angels, and pancake Jesus, the Easter Bunny really comes out of left field.” A quick online search reveals that the Easter Bunny made its way to America around 1700 A.D., thanks to German missionaries. Thanks, Germany!
Regardless of how the Easter Bunny became a source of dread for parents, we can all agree to let the children express their true feelings.
This baby’s “WTF” eyebrow says it all. And look, even her doll can’t shield her from the fright:
Or this little one who seems terrified:
And let’s not forget the kids who just aren’t having it with the Easter Bunny.
It’s become clear that Easter Bunny photos should be retired this year, parents.
This article was originally published on March 17, 2018.
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In summary, the Easter Bunny might be a fun tradition for some, but it’s also a source of fear for many children and parents alike. The mythology around this oversized rodent can seem bizarre in light of the holiday’s true meaning, leaving many to wonder how we continue to perpetuate such an unsettling figure.