Here comes Peter Cottontail,
Hippity, hoppity,
Easter's on its way.

Bringin' every girl and boy
Baskets full of Easter joy,
Things to make your Easter bright and gay.

He's got jelly beans for Tommy
Colored eggs for sister Sue,
There's an orchid for your Mommy
And an Easter bonnet, too.

Here comes Peter Cottontail,
Hoppin' down the bunny trail,
Look at him stop,
And listen to him say:
"Try to do the things you should."
Maybe if you're extra good,
He'll roll lots of Easter eggs your way.

:You'll wake up on Easter morning
And you'll know that he was there
When you find those choc'late bunnies
That he's hiding ev'rywhere.

Oh! Here comes Peter Cottontail,
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity,  hoppity,
HAPPY EASTER DAY!

THE EASTER BUNNY

With it's origins in  pre-Christian traditions, the Easter Bunny can trace its ancestry to the Hare that was the fertility symbol of the ancient Saxon Goddess of springtime, Eastre.

As an Easter symbol, it seems to have it's origins in Germany where sugared pastries in the shape of rabbits were used in the springtime ceremonies.  It was the German immigrants that brought the Easter Bunny to America during the 1700's.  For the German children, a visit from "Oschter Haws'" (the Easter Bunny) was eagerly anticipated, much as a visit from the Christ Child at Christmas.

Young children would build nests the day before, hoping to find them filled with colorful eggs the next morning.  Soon, the fashioned nests transformed themselves into the Easter basket that we know today.

THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT
By
Beatrix Potter
click here to read the story

EASTER EGGS

After the chocolate bunnies and the sugary marshmallow chicks, eggs are probably the most enjoyable Easter tradition.

The Easter egg, like the Easter bunny, finds its roots in the pre-Christian religions of the world.  From the earliest recorded time, the egg has been the symbol of rebirth and renewal. Many cultures, ancient and modern, have some tradition that incorporates decorative eggs.

Different cultures have developed individual ways of decorating the eggs.  Colors used have gained significance as have the designs etched and painted on the eggs.  Many cultures wrap the eggs in breads or decorative fabrics.

Eggs are also significant in play and games. The Romans gave eggs as prizes for races won.  The most popular of the Easter games are the Easter Egg Hunts where the eggs are hidden and children are invited to find the eggs, and the Easter Egg Roll which challenges the participants to roll an egg as far as they can without break it.

Everything you've always wanted to know about Easter, but were afraid to ask!  Click the the basket for 114 links to all things Easter!

Traditionally, Easter Sunday is the day to bring out the spring finery.  This tradition continues with the Easter Parade, held annually in New York City.  Dressed in their finest outfits, sporting their finest Easter bonnet, this "parade" dates back to the Civil War Era.

EASTER PARADE
      Irving Berlin

Never saw you look
Quite so pretty before
Never saw you dressed
Quite so lovely what's more

I could hardly wait
To keep our date
This lovely Easter morning,
And my heart beat fast
As I came through that door ...for

In your Easter bonnet
With all the frills upon it
You'll be the grandest lady
In THE EASTER PARADE.

I'll be all in clover,
And when they look you over
I'll be the proudest fellow
In THE EASTER PARADE.

On the Avenue, Fifth Avenue,
The photographers will snap us
And you'll find that you're in the rotogravure.

Oh, I could write a sonnet
About your Easter bonnet
And of the girl I'm taking
To THE EASTER PARADE.