Hopping down the bunny trail

Posted 8/21/12

For something completely different, I spent the better part of the past week doing a bit of research, since I know so little about so many things. The subject at hand was Easter, and although I had a …

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Hopping down the bunny trail

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For something completely different, I spent the better part of the past week doing a bit of research, since I know so little about so many things. The subject at hand was Easter, and although I had a rudimentary knowledge of the holiday itself, the eggs, chocolate and bunny had me scratching my head, mildly perplexed, as usual. I discovered a website (www.mentalfloss.com) that delves into the origins and symbolism of Easter, which was illuminating. But it seems that over the years, something got lost in translation.

“The Easter Bunny is an anthropomorphic (look it up!) egg-laying rabbit who sneaks into people’s homes the night before Easter to deliver baskets of colored eggs, toys and chocolates,” the website informs us, “and if you go way back, it starts to make a little sense. Spring is the season of rebirth and renewal, and many pagan cultures held spring festivals in honor of ‘Eostre,’ the goddess of dawn, who was closely linked to the hare and egg, both symbols of fertility.” Well, that does make a little sense, but I was still confused, given the frivolity of the holiday, which simultaneously commemorates the Resurrection, lending it deep religious significance for millions across the globe. Curious as to how that came about, I read on a little and discovered that “as Christianity spread, it was common for missionaries to place pagan ideas and rituals within the context of the Christian faith, turning ancient festivals into Christian holidays (e.g. Christmas), so the two celebrations became one, and the hare became the more common rabbit.”

With my new-found understanding, I headed out the door, Wonder Dog in tow, to check out one of many stops the Easter Bunny was making across the Upper Delaware River region, which included a hunt for said eggs at the Duggan School in Bethel, NY. As kids swarmed the place I ran into Bethel Town Supervisor Daniel Sturm, Deputy Supervisor Vicky Simpson and planning board chair Dan Gettel, all of whom were setting up shop with youth director Cathy McFadden for what turned out to be an incredibly well organized party. It was replete with gifts for the kids (including the requisite candy), hundreds of eggs laden with prizes (including a few very special Golden Eggs) and a visit from you-know-who.

As the kids frolicked with Dharma in the field behind the school, parents were given the opportunity to take part in the Sullivan County Lions Club free vision screening program (www.lionssee.org) booth set up for the day by Al and Maria Frangipane. “We have a new screener this year,” Al explained as parents lined up to take part, “which never touches the kids at all and delivers results in as little as three seconds. The program [Lions KidSight USA] wants to reach kids early, because some vision problems can become permanent by age seven,” he added, “but several vision issues can be easily detected with hand-held screening devices that generate results on-site.”

I watched as three-year-old Carly held mom Melissa’s hand and underwent the process without a peep, grinning from ear to ear, when the bunny showed up to congratulate her. Back to the bunny, who appeared to be female, which confused me once again. “What kind of name is ‘Peter Cottontail’ for a lady?” I wondered, before checking in with my mobile device. “A recent Internet poll revealed that 81% of people who replied believe that the Easter Bunny is male, based mostly on depictions where it’s wearing a bow tie,” the electronic voice responded. Sure enough, she was wearing said tie, but seemed pretty and feminine and girly, and I swear she was wearing eye makeup. So I’m going with “Mrs. Cottontail.” All I know is that the kids adored her, and each had an opportunity to have his or her picture taken before claiming gifts from the array presented by the town. I walked away enchanted by the entire afternoon.

With Passover on the horizon (April 22), I’m checking my facts regarding the traditions that I’m more familiar with. But considering that we eat bitter herbs at the Seder Dinner (instead of candy), I’m reconsidering my allegiance and wondering if the kids would be as pleased with Moses showing up at their door bearing a basket full of plagues. I’m thinking that chocolate-covered locusts would not have the same appeal, but you never know. While you ponder that, take a peek at the photos I snapped of the Town of Bethel Easter Egg Hunt at www.Facebook.com/theriverreporter. Nothin’ scary there. IMHO.

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