The Fascinating History Behind the Easter Bunny and $2 Bills

The Fascinating History Behind the Easter Bunny and $2 Bills

Every Easter, children excitedly wait for the Easter Bunny to deliver baskets filled with candy, toys, and those curious $2 bills. But where did these Easter traditions originate? The stories behind the Easter Bunny and $2 bills offer a fascinating glimpse into history, economics, and culture.

The Origin of the Easter Bunny

Rabbits have long been associated with springtime as a symbol of new life and fertility. However, the specific legend of the Easter Bunny bringing eggs and treats can be traced back to early Germany. According to folklore, the Easter Bunny, known as the "Oschter Haws" or "Osterhase," would lay nests of colored eggs as gifts for well-behaved children.

When German immigrants came to America in the 1700s, they brought over their tradition of the Osterhase. As the custom spread across the U.S., the fabled rabbit began delivering sweet treats along with the eggs. Eventually, the Easter Bunny evolved into a central part of Easter celebrations, becoming a beloved cultural icon.

The Interesting Story Behind $2 Bills

$2 bills have been around, on and off, since the Civil War. The federal government first issued $2 notes in 1862 to help fund the war effort. People also used them to pay Union soldiers on the battlefields. However, by 1966 the $2 bill had disappeared from circulation.

Then in 1976, the $2 banknote made a comeback for the U.S. Bicentennial. The new $2 bills featured a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the front and the famous painting Declaration of Independence on the back. Since most Americans had never seen these notes before, some viewed them as lucky keepsakes or conversation pieces to give as gifts.

How the $2 Bill Became Linked with Easter

Shortly after the re-release of the $2 bill in the 1970s, American Greetings, one of the largest card makers in the U.S., seized onto the idea of packaging $2 bills with Easter greeting cards. Given the relative rarity and novelty of the notes, including them added a unique element to the cards.

American Greetings marketed these $2 bill gifts as "Extra Special Easter Surprises." A magazine ad from 1977 touted that the $2 bill Easter packs were a "sure-fire way to make someone's Easter extra special!" For kids, receiving one of these novelty $2 bills along with Easter treats from the Bunny became a coveted tradition.

The Popularity Endures Today

Interestingly, even though $2 bills now circulate much more widely, many people still consider them a bit exotic. As recently as 2020, the U.S. Treasury estimated that $2 bills make up less than 1% of printed U.S. currency. So for children, finding a $2 bill in an Easter basket remains an unusual and exciting event.

American Greetings maintains its annual tradition of producing $2 bill packs every Easter. And according to the Federal Reserve, demand rises for $2 notes every spring. In fact, hundreds of thousands of $2 bills are shipped to Utah just before Easter, presumably for packaging into greeting cards!

Promoting Economic Lessons

For parents, giving $2 bills in Easter baskets provides a learning experience about personal finance. Having unusual currency like the $2 bill can spur questions from kids about how money works. The $2 is the lowest denomination of U.S. currency currently in circulation, so it represents an accessible introduction to spending and saving.

The $2 bill is also a way to convey fun facts about U.S. history and civic pride. And kids are often excited to show their friends this neat bill with Jefferson's face on it. So the simple $2 gift opens many educational conversations.

The Future of These Easter Traditions

While fads come and go, the Easter Bunny and $2 bills have staying power. The beloved figure of the Easter Bunny continues to capture children's imaginations each spring. And the $2 bill remains a novelty bill that people enjoy finding in their annual Easter baskets. These twin icons provide fun and optimism around Easter.

New generations keep discovering the delights of Easter goodies delivered by a magic rabbit. And they are fascinated to receive money that looks so different from the regular $1 bills. These enduring traditions stretch back through decades and will likely persist for generations to come.

So as another Easter approaches, children can look forward to springtime joy from the timeless traditions of the Easter Bunny and $2 bills. Both serve as cherished symbols of the holiday and a chance to imagine possibilities, past and future.

FAQs

Where did the tradition of the Easter Bunny originate?

The Easter Bunny originated in Germany, where folklore told of the “Oschter Haws” or “Osterhase” that would bring nests of colored eggs to well-behaved children on Easter. German immigrants brought this tradition to America in the 1700s.

When did the U.S. start printing $2 bills?

The U.S. first issued $2 bills in 1862 to help fund the Civil War. The $2 bill then disappeared from circulation for over a century before making a comeback in 1976 for the American Bicentennial.

How did the $2 bill become associated with Easter?

In the 1970s, American Greetings had the idea to package $2 bills with Easter greeting cards as novel gifts. This helped link the $2 bill to Easter in popular culture.

Why do people still get excited about $2 bills today?

Even now, $2 bills only make up a tiny fraction of overall U.S. currency printed. So getting one still feels unusual and special for many people.

What are some benefits of giving kids $2 bills for Easter?

$2 bills can teach kids about saving money and spur interesting conversations about history, civic pride, and how currency works. It’s also fun for kids to show their friends.