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When did the Easter bunny become part of the tradition of the religious Easter holiday? Easter began to be observed hundreds of years ago to commemorate the rising of Christ from the dead, and it has gradually become associated with the themes of the renewal of life in nature and flowers. It was not until about the 18th century that the Easter egg became part of the celebration.
This papier-mache candy container, made in 1900, is an Easter bunny in a peasant dress. She carries an Easter basket but no eggs. At 16 inches tall, the rabbit probably was a store display.
The egg has long been a symbol of eternal life, and decorating and hunting for eggs became part of the symbolism of the holiday. As years passed, cardboard and papier-mache eggs were used, then real eggshells with the liquid egg blown out through a small hole. Other countries used sugar eggs and wooden eggs. All eggs were decorated. Soon there were Easter egg hunts and Easter egg rolls, but still no Easter bunny.
During the early 18th century, Pennsylvania Germans suggested that, in spring, the Easter Bunny would hide eggs or perhaps put them in an upside-down hat that was left out overnight. That custom soon grew to a basket to be filled with eggs, candy and fake green grass. By the 20th century, there were stuffed-toy Easter bunnies, porcelain figurines of bunnies and a German business making papier-mache and cardboard Easter bunny candy containers, which were sold in the U.S. and filled with candy. By the 1920s, there were tin or glass candy containers shaped like bunnies and other Easter symbols and, of course, toys.
Holiday collecting is becoming more popular. Easter items include religious pictures and memorabilia, baskets, bunnies, chicks, ducks, nut cups, place cards, postcards and store advertising. Prices have gone down and up since 1980.
Q: My childhood teddy bear is, I am told, a Steiff and valuable. What determines the price?
A: Some Steiff teddy bears sell for thousands of dollars, but many things influence the price. A real Steiff should have a button in the ear that says Steiff. The high-priced bears are old and have mohair fabric in a rare color. White, lavender, black or red is best. Older bears are stuffed with straw, kapok, excelsior or sawdust, not polyester. Any nylon or plastic part suggests a newer bear, worth a lower price. Very large and very small bears are expensive. “Well-loved” (tattered) bears used to be OK, but now collectors want toys in almost perfect condition.
CURRENT PRICES
Juice glass, Swankyswig, Easter lily, white trumpet blossoms, yellow center, green leaves, Boscul, Peanut Butter glass, 5 inches, $45.
Chocolate mold, Easter bunny, standing with basket of eggs on back, cast aluminum, c. 1910, 14 x 8 inches, $160.
Easter basket, tin lithograph bucket, pail handle, nursery rhymes, candy, eggs and
Easter designs, 1950s, 4 x 4 inches, $70.
TIP: Doors from a garage should have inside locks. Get a strong door. We know someone who came home to find a burglar had used an ax to “open” the door.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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