Today at "Legends Among Us," I have a treat for you all. A Legend known throughout the world is here. He goes by a few names: Osterhase, or even the Easter Bunny. Muggles believe he is just a rabbit, I believe the bunny is an animagus. I mean, why else would a bunny deliver eggs? He sounds a tad magical to me. So, let's be quiet as we hunt down this extraordinary legend.
This bunny brings eggs, treats, and sometimes toys to good children. One legend states that the hare is a scared beast of a Saxon goddess. Others believe the eggs were signs of Jesus from many Christian lores. Some believe bunnies, gifts, fluffy chicks, and eggs stem from pagan roots. Though the origin has been traced back to 13th century Germany. No matter what religion you are from, there's a legend surrounding this bunny.
This bunny even pops up in mythology! Orion was most definitely a fierce hunter. At his side, his dogs Sirius and Procyon. One day he stomped on a nest of eggs. The bird the nest belonged to was absolutely devastated at this. Then the Goddess of Spring came to the distraught bird. The bird wished it could be another animal, so the Goddess made it a hare, Lepus. Later, she paid Lepus a visit. The animal was sad it could no longer lay eggs. The Goddess made it so once a year, the hare could lay eggs. Mother Earth was furious with Orion, and she sent a powerful scorpion after him. The scorpion stung and killed Orion. Legend states, Zeus placed Orion amongst the stars. His trusty dogs, now Canis Major and Canis Minor, immortalized by his side as well. Though, Lepus, now rests in the stars not to far from Orion.
The little cottontails can run up to 18 miles an hour. A predator would have to be quick to catch him, but who would try to catch an animagus right?
Some Pureblood wizarding families get one extraordinary gift from the Easter Bunny. Or, perhaps, they receive it since it is a "superior" gift. The former Tsar Nicholas of Russia commissioned an egg to be made by Faberge, a goldsmith. The beautiful gift was for his wife, and gifted each Easter. It looked like an egg, but it was covered in white gold. Inside, there was "egg yolk" made from gold. Inside, instead of just egg yolk, was also a hen made out of gold. And inside of the hen, there was a crown with a ruby stone.
Lucius has a special Faberge egg placed, in hiding, at Malfoy Manor each year. Narcissa prefers diamonds and emeralds over any ruby, of course. Each year the Faberge egg is different from the last. As Draco searched for his gifts, Lucius rendezvoused with Narcissa for the one special gift he had the Bunny bring her.
As we dive into the world of bunnies and diamond eggs, I hope you find one special thing for yourself this month. Even if it is just a moment of peace, let your inner self shine brightly. Be the diamond in the rough.
Oh look, there he goes! Well, I'm off to catch the elusive bunny. See you all soon!
~Sal