The Easter Hare

[deckardcanine]

An Easter Hare was mentioned in the 16th century,
Then known among the Lutherans of southwest Germany.
This hare delivered candy, eggs, and sometimes even toys,
But only, like Kris Kringle, to the better girls and boys.

So why a hare? Some claim the pagan goddess of the spring
From whom we got the “Easter” label must have had a thing
For hares. That’s unsupported by the Venerable Bede,
The only old-time source on her, so most have disagreed.

The ancient Greeks and Romans thought a hare could reproduce
Without a mate (their concept of biology was loose).
Because of that, medieval Christian scholars formed a link
Between the Virgin Mary and the hare, or so some think.

Consider the three hares as well, a circular motif
That came to be connected with the Trinity belief,
Although their first depiction’s in a Chinese temple cave.
We can’t say why for sure; no explanation has been saved.

Some note a similarity between a lapwing’s nest
In grasslands in the springtime and where hares would opt to rest,
Creating the impression that the mammals could lay eggs.
A wish to hide the truth of egg dyes gave the legend legs.

And why the eggs? Some Christians wouldn’t eat them during Lent,
Which made them quite inviting when the Lenten season went.
They also formed a symbol of the tomb that Jesus fled.
That covers all the theories for the practice that I’ve read.