Storytelling

Two images often associated with Easter are rabbits and eggs- even the Easter Bunny brings eggs along to hide for children. We've always found it unusual that bunnies are associated with eggs; after all, bunnies are mammals; they don't lay eggs. So why are eggs and rabbits associated with Easter?

In this old folktale from the British Isles, we meet Ostara, the Goddess of the Dawn who each year brings forth the spring. Many say that this story is the first story of Easter and the name originates as Ostara.

In this beautiful tale of kindness, love, generosity and forgiveness, Ostara befriends a dying sparrow who later falls in love with Jack Hare. Overcome with sadness, Ostara retires to sleep in the Earth, but when she awakes, all the world's hares have gathered to celebrate the most magical occurrence.

After listening to this story consider the following questions:

1. This beautiful story is about kindness, generosity, love and forgiveness. Can you identify where in the story these themes emerge?

2. Have you ever seen a hare? Hares live in pastures and instead of digging burrows they live on the earths surface. In spring they can be seen at dusk and dawn- take an adventure onto the hills to try and spot a hare.

3. Had you ever heard this story before? Many of the old stories have sadly been forgotten. Now you know the story can you share it with somebody else and encourage them to share it with people they know too.

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