Pronunciation: [ˈiːstə bˈʌni] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Easter Bunny" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first sound in "Easter" is an /i/ sound, followed by an /e/ sound, represented as /iː/ and /ɛ/ in IPA. The second word, "Bunny," has a /b/ sound followed by an /ʌ/ sound and ends with a /ni/ sound. These are represented as /b/, /ʌ/, and /ni/ in IPA. So the pronunciation of "Easter Bunny" in IPA is /ˈiːstər ˈbʌni/.
The Easter Bunny is a fictional character known primarily for its association with the Christian holiday of Easter. Traditionally depicted as a rabbit or hare, the Easter Bunny has become a prominent symbol of the holiday, particularly for children who eagerly anticipate its arrival.
According to folklore, the Easter Bunny is said to lay and hide colorful eggs as gifts for children to find on Easter morning. This concept has its roots in various pagan springtime celebrations that emphasized fertility and new life. Over time, these customs merged with Christian beliefs surrounding the resurrection of Jesus Christ, providing a symbolic link between the rebirth of nature in spring and the spiritual resurrection celebrated during Easter.
The Easter Bunny is often portrayed as a friendly creature, typically wearing a vest or bowtie while carrying a basket filled with eggs. It has become a popular figure in various forms of media, such as books, television shows, and movies, expanding its cultural significance beyond religious contexts.
In modern times, the Easter Bunny has also become associated with other Easter-related traditions, such as Easter egg hunts, where children search for hidden eggs in outdoor or indoor settings. Additionally, the Easter Bunny serves as a beloved symbol of joy, whimsy, and the festive spirit that accompanies the arrival of spring and the Easter season.
The etymology of the word "Easter Bunny" can be traced back to various sources.
The word "Easter" itself comes from the Old English word "Eastre" or "Eostre", which is associated with a pagan Spring festival celebrating fertility and new life. This festival was later adopted and Christianized as a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The origin of the word "bunny" can be traced back to the early 18th century and is believed to be a term derived from the Scottish word "bun", meaning rabbit or tail. Over time, it evolved into "bunny" as a colloquial term for a rabbit or hare.
The association of the Easter Bunny with Easter can be attributed to German folklore. The Easter Hare, or Osterhase in German, was initially mentioned in writings in the 17th century.
