We’ve all had them. Many of us look forward to them with great anticipation. Some even have superstitious ways of eating them (ie. ears first). But just how did the iconic chocolate Easter Bunny come to be?
Well to start off, it is important to understand why we even have a bunny with eggs showing up each Easter. It is believed to have originated in Germany. In fact, the bunny appears in German literature around 1632.
This hare was believed to represent fertility and birth, as did the eggs. It is no surprise then that this mythical rabbit became associated with a holiday occurring during the springtime.
According to the legends the Easter Hare had a lot in common with Santa Claus in that he judged children and whether or not they were good or bad. Accordingly he left them eggs, candy, and sometimes gifts.
As the tradition of the Easter Bunny grew it is no surprise that marketers took the opportunity to capitalize on it. In fact, Smithsonian magazine has reported that our chocolate version of this holiday creature has existed since the 1800’s in Germany.
They weren’t very popular at first but by the early part of the 20th century, chocolate bunnies began to take off. But why are they hollow?
Well, we’d like to tell you there is some great story out there, but the truth of the matter is this. Chocolate manufacturers found that they were less expensive to make, and most importantly, hollowed out chocolate is easier to eat than solid rabbits. After all is said and done your rabbit is hollow so that it doesn’t feel like biting into a brick.
Oh and as far as eating the ears first…You’re not alone. It is estimated that approximately 75% of us enjoy those long rabbit ears as our first bite.
