The Origin of the Easter Rabbit

The Easter rabbit has become an integral part of the celebration of Easter. Many wonder where this little guy came from, and why he's so important in the story to begin with. But, for the most part, we have failed to ask, so we go on munching our chocolate Easter rabbits in silence.

The History

Truth seekers soon begin to ask the questions, "Why is there an Easter rabbit, and how is that related to the resurrection of the Messiah?" The answer to this question comes when evaluating the true definition and origin of Easter. Christians are not the only people that celebrate Easter.

Easter is a Pagan ritual as well, in celebration of the Ishtar, Baal, and Tammuz. Baal was considered the sun god, though in life, he was Nimrod of the Bible. After Nimrods death, Ishtar (formally known as Queen Semiramis deemed him the title of Baal, the life giver god.

The story is of Nimrod"s death, Ishtar"s conception of Tammuz, and Tammuz' death by a wild pig. Tradition has it that Ishtar immaculatley conceived Tammuz, and that he was the son of Baal. Ishtar claimed that she came from the moon on a giant egg, this is where many of the "Easter eggs" came from. Studies show that this paganism came in by way of the Roman Catholic System.

Every year, on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, a celebration took place. It was Ishtar's Sunday and was celebrated with Easter rabbits and eggs. The festival was a celebration of Baal and the death of Ishtar's son, Tammuz. There were massive festivals every year in Ishtars honor that on some years coincided with the resurrection of Christ. Though the actual dates are different, centuries passed, and they were pushed together.

Ironically, these two religions are completely abhorred by one another, but so much of the celebration includes both traditions, such as the pagan custom of eating ham on Easter Sunday, that was Ishtars command, because Tammuz was killed by a pig. Many Christians today eat ham on Easter due to the blending of the customs.

So next time you're shopping down the aisle for a big chocolate Easter rabbit for your little one, while you're coloring your Easter eggs, and glazing that honey backed ham, you'll understand where these custom originated. You will also understand how they were integrated into an otherwise Christian celebration.