The celebrations of Easter have many customs and legends that have nothing to do with Christianity. Among various symbols associated with Easter, Easter bonny has been playing an important part. In pagan times, the “Easter hare” was no ordinary animal, but a sacred companion of the old goddess of spring, Eastre. The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season. Hares are animals which look like rabbits, but are larger and in many countries quite rare. In most places, the Easter rabbit (bunny) has replaced the Easter hare completely. Since long before Jesus Christ was born, parents told their children that the magic hare would bring them presents at the spring festival. The presents were often painted eggs, as these represented the new life starting at this time of year.