In ancient Egypt the hare (Wenu) was a symbol of fertility, new life and the moon and it signified the resurrective powers of the god Osiris. Over the years, because the date of Easter was determined by the moon, the pagan hare became linked with the Christian celebrations. In time the symbol of the hare was replaced by the rabbit, beginning the tradition of the Easter bunny. The first edible Easter bunnies, made of pastry and sugar, were made in Germany during the early 1800s. Easter Index Main Index