These photos are from a Life magazine article dating 1939 which included a few lines on how toys were becoming more and popular as Easter presents, and also a little bit about why rabbits are associated with Easter:

“The chicken and egg belong to Easter because they symbolize spring and new life. To pagans, Easter was a celebration of spring. The rabbit is an Easter symbol not because it is fertile but because it became confused with the hare. A nocturnal animal, the hare was anciently associated with the moon as a night watcher. Since Easter was governed by the moon, the hare became Easter’s animal. In Europe, the hare is considered a sort of St. Nick who comes at night to leave coloured eggs for good children.”

Also by this brand:

Barbie ~ The Most Popular Doll In Town [Life, 1963] Latex Balloons, Meat & Pretty Girls [Life, 1939] Vintage Easter Egg Hunt [Life, 1949] Kitchens Of Tomorrow [Life, 1943] Women’s Fashion Shoot [1944] Fancy Feathered Hats Women’s Fashion Shoot [1945] Big Fall Hats Women’s Fashion Shoot [1945] Fancy Crochets Women’s Fashion Shoot [1939] Spring Shoes Women’s Fashion Shoot [1969] Moods For Sleeping

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