The Easter Hare

A retelling of a traditional story about the origins of Easter.  Why do we associate Easter with both hares,or rabbits, and giving eggs? This mysterious ancient story involves five totem animals of Britain: the stag, hawk, salmon, raven and hare, who are challenged to a race around the world by the goddess Eoestra.  Suitable for primary school ages, it can also be acted out. Rhymes are given for each animal and ideas for simple masks, which could be used to create an Easter play. The moon and the hare are related to the timing of Easter to this day: the first full moon after the spring equinox; this is embodied in the story for the children to understand.