Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Easter with baskets?  More importantly, why do we put eggs in them?  I spent a lot of time picking out the perfect Easter basket for my daughter and I thought to myself, "why is this such a big deal?"  Today is Easter!  I thought I would share the story of the Easter basket with you.

This lovely basket has not only become a simple tradition but helps us to welcome spring all over the world. 

The Easter basket that we know today has a very unique history.  It has been influenced by folklore and religion and it's earliest appearance was traced to almost 1,000 years ago.

Since ancient times, spring has been considered the season of new life and fresh beginnings.

Pagan symbol for Eostra, and meaning of spring

In the 13thcentury around pre-Christian Germany, many believed in multiple gods and goddesses, including Eostra, the goddess of spring and fertility.

Ostara, or Eostara goddess of fertility and new beginnings

Her symbol was the rabbit, which is known as an emblem of fertility, and legend states that she carried a basket full of eggs as a sign of life and rebirth.

Every spring, baskets of seedlings were brought to her temple as an offering in exchange for healthy crops and a good harvest.

Eventually, the story of Eostra evolved into the German myth of the “Osterhase,” or the “Easter hare”.

This bunny tale was about a white hare that would bring colored eggs to children on Easter.

By the 18th century, German settlers introduced the tradition of the Easter hare to the United States.  Shortly after it was introduced, the tradition of the Easter basket, Easter eggs and the Easter bunny were a hopping hit!

Easter baskets have brought joy and happiness to children of all ages for centuries. Although the baskets are linked wth Easter Sunday for Christians, they do have pagan roots, going back to ancient times long before Christ was born.  That doesn't stop us from celebrating Easter with baskets and bunnies!

Easter baskets are a great tradition shared by so many families and celebrated by the masses.
This Easter gives new meaning for me, spring color, smiling kids, egg hunts, rebirth, and my adorable Easter basket!