Easter and Rabbits

Spring is the season when a rabbit's thoughts, such as they are, turn to romance and new life. The rabbit's special association with Easter is, surpirsingly, rooted in ancient cultural traditions from both Asia and the West.

Hares have long been believed to have an intimate relationship with the moon goddess, also known as Eostre (Saxon) or Astarte (Phoenician), the measurer of time and mistress of the lunar cycle. Celebration of the lunar cycle, representing rebirth and triumph of life over death (or spring over winter), fits well with the Christian observation of Easter.

Whatever other meaning the Easter Bunny's obsession with eggs may have, rabbits' well-known procreative proficiency made them a natural choice for handing out festive Easter eggs (symbols of fertility and life). The final linking of rabbits and Easter may have been made by early twentieth century confectioners who baked Easter cakes in the shape of hares and gave them out to children.

Today, Easter bunnies are more popular than ever, whether they're passing out colorful eggs and tasty rabbit-shaped confections or just celebrating the lunar cycle with their typically lunatic enthusiasm. Those adorable baby bunnies displayed in pet shop windows are certainly irresistibly cute, but they have at least one distinct disadvantage compared with the stuffed toy and chocolate varieties - they quickly develop into unruly adolescents.

Oddly, many families who impulsively buy a cuddly bunny that fits neatly into their hand are surprised by the transformation. Every year, humane shelters and rabbit rescue groups brace for the post-Easter flood of unwanted bunnies who turned out to be more of a handful than their humans had bargained for.

Contrary to popular belief, rabbits aren't really low-maintenance pets and generally not a very good "starter" pet for families with small children. Children may be naturally drawn to bunnies, who look as soft and cuddly as a plush toy, but real live bunnies can be easily injured by an exuberant child. Most rabbits don't like being picked up and carried, and even the gentlest toddlers and small children are likely to be too rough, too loud, too unpredictable, and too uncoordinated in their movements to suit the average rabbit.

Though many rabbits have placid personalities, others are lively and and active and have very strong wills of their own. They resist being held and restrained, preferring to remain with all four paws planted firmly on the ground where they can make a quick escape from any danger to a safe, private haven. If they aren't spayed or neutered, they are also likely to engage in destructive chewing, spraying and sometimes aggressive behavior. The rabbit's powerful back feet, claws and teeth can inflict serious injuries on other bunnies or children.

Rabbits really need as much care and attention as most dogs and cats. Despite what some pet supply personnel will tell you, bunnies are playful and need toys, interesting habitats, interaction with their adopted families, and space to run and jump to keep them happy and mentally sharp. Your home also will need to be "bunnyproofed" to prevent chewing on furniture or treacherous electrical wiring. With a typical life expectancy of 8-10 years or more, a rabbit is a long-term commitment. But if you're willing to meet your rabbit at least half-way, you'll find the rewards of rabbit companionship are well worth the effort.