We all know the Easter bunny as the mystical, “Spring Santa” gift giver, but not everyone knows where his myth originates. Today the Easter bunny is the guy at the mall you took pictures with as a kid or the magical rabbit that somehow manages to give millions of children goodies the night before Easter. However, before this, he represented a religious symbol of Spring and rebirth.

Ostara, a goddess celebrated by Paganism, represents light and life. Legends say that Ostara used to change birds into rabbits to amuse children. Thus, the rabbit became a symbol of her and bunnies were incorporated into her celebrations. This tradition later became mixed in with the holiday celebrating the rebirth of Jesus, Easter. Many countries including the United States, Germany and Australia all celebrate Easter together. Easter, a holiday of rebirth, takes place in the Spring, a season of new life for plants and animals. Bunnies are known for breeding often and giving birth to many litters. Therefore, Easter and bunnies go hand in hand.

This carrot-loving representation of Easter has been around for many years with one main purpose, to make children happy. Whether you receive a giant chocolate bunny, peeps or just a few plastic eggs from the Easter Bunny this year, you will now exactly why this fuzzy fellow gives gifts every Easter.