Easter Baskets - Origin and Gift Ideas

Easter Sunday is a religious holiday on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, which occurs around March 21st.  It is the day Christian all over the world celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  However, many traditions associated with this holiday, such as the Easter bunny, egg hunt, and Easter baskets, are observed by Christians and non-Christians alike.  This article explores the origin of Easter and related traditions, and provides some gift idea for this holiday.
 
The name of the holiday, "Easter", came from the pre-Christian Anglo-Saxon goddess named Eostre. She was the goddess of fertility and springtime.  Since the rabbits and hares reproduce frequently with a litter per month, the pre-Christian Anglo-Saxons believed the rabbits and hares were the earthly incarnation of Eostre.  Hence, the rabbits and hares became fertility symbols.  Similarly, eggs were symbols of fertility and life.  Eggs were colored, blessed and eaten at spring festivals in ancient culture.  When the Anglo-Saxons were converted to Christians, their springtime festival, which occurred on spring equinox, was combined with the Christian observance of the resurrection of Jesus and given the name Easter.

The bunny as an Easter symbol appears to have its origin in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. According to a German legend, a white hare would leave baskets filled with candies, brightly colored eggs and other goodies for good children on Easter morning. The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German immigrants.  The children would build their nest in hidden places in their home, or outdoors. Easter bunny would fill their baskets with colored eggs if they were good. By the 1800s, candies were commonly tucked into the baskets as well. Nowadays, Easter baskets are commonly filled with chocolate eggs, chocolate bunnies, candies, and marshmallow Peeps. The jelly beans have also been added to the baskets since 1930s because they look similar to eggs laid by birds.

The popularity of Easter baskets has increased tremendously with television movie "Here Comes Peter Cottontail". You can now order online beautiful Easter gift basket that contains traditional holiday treats without having to shop for these treats individualy and arrange them in a basket yourself.  Sending friends and loved ones an Easter Gift Basket is an easy and fun way to let them know how much you care about them.

A wide range of beautiful Easter baskets are available.  Most of the baskets include a plush Bunny that greets your little friends with wishes of love and joy.  In addition to delicious treats, some contain favorite play dough and Peter Cottontail activity book with plenty of fun activities for the little boys and girls. You can start your own tradition by sending a deluxe gift basket to family and friends.  Filled with chocolate treats as well as traditional favorites such as fudge filled chocolate eggs, milk chocolate foil bunny, candy corn, marshmallow bunnies, butter shortbread cookies, and candies, this basket of treats will delight the recipient with joy.

Another special gift consists of an unique basket-shaped planter filled with delicious treats, including hand decorated shortbread cookie, gift box filled with solid milk chocolate eggs, milk chocolate bunny, jelly beans, Bunny peeps, Easter eggs filled with candy, plush bunny, and licorice treats. It will certainly delight the recipient. Another popular gift is an Easter bunny tote in the form of a fabric bunny carrier.  Inside the carrier is filled with chocolate bunnies, M & M's, puzzle, foil wrapped chocolate bunny, and other treats.  This little bunny will deliver your message of love and joy.

For younger kids, You can send a little plush bunny that sings his tune and wiggles his ears, along with 10 most popular flavors of jelly beans.  It will sure to delight all who receive this gift.

Children usually enjoy making their own treats.  You can send them a gift set with a plush bunny and chocolate cookie mix, and let them participate in making the cookies.  Alternatively, you can send a gift set with a plush bunny, cake mix and instructions. The children can make their own old fashion carrot cake with orange cream cheese frosting.  These gifts provide a fun way to share the joy of Easter.

In summary, Easter is a holiday celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike.  There are many fun activities for the entire family, especially little boys and girls, to enjoy.  You can be Peter the Cottontail and send an Easter basket to kids of all ages.