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None of the children in these pictures were ever seen again; they were too terrified to come back to the mall lest they run into a creepy bunny again!

Did you know that the hare, later named the Easter Bunny, came to be associated with churches because many believed it was a hermaphrodite? The belief that a rabbit could reproduce without losing its virginity led to hares being likened to the Virgin Mary! Looking at these vintage creepy Easter Bunny photos, nobody would be able to imagine that cute bunnies exist. The creepy Easter Bunny didn’t just pop into existence; there is a story behind it.

Where Does the Easter Bunny Originate From?

Easter is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and mark the end of the Lenten season. But, for young kids, it also means they will get many Easter eggs from the famous Easter Bunny. Legend has it that this bunny was introduced by German immigrants in the 1700s. They brought over their tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” This rabbit was known to lay colorful eggs to reward good children (it seems like the Easter Bunny and Santa operate with the same rules).

Another theory for the eggs is that it all started with Orthodox churches abstaining from eating eggs during Lent. German protestants continued the custom of eating eggs and brought it to the US in the 18th century. With them came the tradition of the Easter Hare (or really pops clad in a creepy Easter Bunny costume) bringing eggs as gifts to good children.

So now that you know where the Easter Bunny came from, what do you think of these vintage creepy bunny pictures? Let us know which one terrified you the most, and upvote your favorite. We would also love to see your horrifying childhood photos with Easter bunnies.

#4

Creepiest Easter Bunny

Vintage Easter bunny with two children in a sepia-toned photo, showcasing an eerie costume.

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#5

Really? You Call This Nightmare A Bunny?

Vintage Easter Bunny costume with a child on its lap, set against a pink background.

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#6

Go home Easter Bunny, You're Drunk

Child with a vintage Easter Bunny costume, featuring eerie eyes and crooked smile, capturing a nightmarish vibe.

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#7

And That's Why, Children, you Can't Trust Anybody Who Is Offering You Candy

Smiling child sitting with a vintage Easter bunny in a colorful outfit on a brown chair.

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#8

Hello, I Am Your New Nightmare. Sweet Dreams!

Creepy vintage Easter bunny costume with unsettling grin and holding a doll, set in a leafy background.

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#10

Huh?

Vintage Easter Bunny costume with large eyes standing behind two children in a yard.

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Why Is the Easter Bunny So Creepy?

You’ll probably get creepy Easter Bunny nightmares after seeing these old photos. Maybe they give off a weird vibe because of the permanent smile etched on the face. Coupled with the wide and unseeing eyes, that feels reminiscent of a horror movie. Some of these bunny costumes are also droopy, angry-looking, too human-like, and just plain weird. That’s probably why these pics make you uncomfortable.

The Easter Bunny is also slightly creepy because imagining a large human-like creature sneaking around your house and leaving eggs is odd. We could make many Easter jokes about the bunny, but we’d rather not risk his wrath just yet.

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#13

The Easter Bunny Is Coming

A young girl crying in the arms of a costumed vintage Easter bunny against a pink background.

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#14

Umm... What About No?

Vintage Easter Bunny holding a baby with a giant carrot, creating a surreal scene.

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#16

This Bunny Is Totally Laughing Evil Laugh on The Inside

A child sitting on the lap of a vintage Easter bunny with a floral vest, showcasing a mix of joy and eeriness.

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#17

I Wasn't Too Thrilled About This Back In 1948 Either

Vintage Easter Bunny with a child in Sanger's Bunnyland, evoking an eerie atmosphere.

Barbara Galentin Report

#18

The Year I Met The Easter Bunny

Two children sitting with a vintage Easter Bunny in unsettling costume, one smiling, the other crying.

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#19

Ruuun For Your Lives!

Three children appearing frightened sit with a vintage Easter bunny costume.

Courtney Blair Report

#20

The Bunny Grinch That Stole Easter Somewhere Around 1971

Vintage Easter bunny with children in red and white outfits, sitting and posing for a photo, capturing a nostalgic moment.

Angelia’s Photography Report

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What Is the Original Creepy Bunny Costume?

Turns out, the creepy Easter Bunny costume isn’t the only one that you have to fear. There are a bunch of creepy bunnies out there, but only one based on some fact. If you’ve ever watched the horror film Donnie Darko, you should know that that unnerving bunny costume and Frank the Rabbit character were based on an urban legend from Fairfax County, Virginia. 

The legend is about the Bunny Man, who seems to attack people with a hatchet or an axe. Many versions of the story exist, but most of them are about the Bunny Man’s gruesome attacks on his victims. Before you start developing a phobia about bunnies, take a refreshing break and check out these adorable handmade Easter bunnies.

#21

Poor Baby In Giant's Hands

A child sits on a vintage Easter Bunny's lap, appearing frightened, in this unsettling photo.

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#25

And I Keep Asking Why, Oh Why

Child crying on lap of person in a creepy vintage Easter bunny costume.

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#28

Easter In The 1970's.

Vintage Easter bunny with two kids, wearing a red outfit and bow tie.

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What Do Rabbits Symbolize in Horror Movies?

Interestingly, rabbits have been used in many famous movies such as Us, Monty Python, Fatal Attraction, and more. They seem to be used to symbolize different things. Some directors might use rabbits to depict innocence and contrast that with terrifying elements. Others might display creepy bunnies and focus more shots on their red eyes.

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These directors can use rabbits to symbolize a wide range of things. But we also know that a person wearing a creepy bunny mask is equally as scary, and maybe that’s enough.

#31

My Friend Used To Be The Easter Bunny At The Mall

Two children sitting with a giant vintage Easter bunny costume, one child appears uneasy.

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#34

Did I Really Deserve This?

A child sitting nervously on a giant vintage Easter bunny's lap, both in a wicker chair.

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#36

My Cousins Are Fond Of The Easter Bunny

Children sitting with vintage Easter bunnies by a lake, looking distressed.

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#37

My Maddie And The Easter Bunny

Vintage Easter Bunny costume with a crying child on its lap in front of a colorful background.

Andrea Turek Report

#38

My Nephew Really Likes The Easter Bunny

Vintage Easter Bunny holding a crying child on a bench, surrounded by floral decorations.

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#39

Layla was not impressed

Crying child in bright outfit sits on the lap of a giant vintage Easter Bunny with a straw hat and wide eyes.

Molly Mack Report

#40

Kid In The Corner!

Children posing with a large, vintage Easter Bunny costume in a store setting.

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AshleyBoasso
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seeing it's Walmart I wonder if that bunny has anything on under that costume

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#42

Thank You Ma'am For This Kid,Finally I Will Have A Nice Dinner Tonight!

A child crying on the lap of a large vintage Easter bunny wearing a polka dot bow tie.

Melissa Johnson Report

#43

Noo, Won't Take It, This Lollipop Is Probably Poisoned

A child appears frightened sitting on a vintage Easter Bunny's lap, wearing an orange and brown jacket.

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#44

My Grandbaby Emma Jean

Scared child sitting on the lap of a vintage Easter bunny with a big smile and fluffy costume.

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#45

I'm Sorry, But Nobody Will Hear Your Scream, Kid

Crying child sitting on a vintage Easter Bunny's lap, wearing glasses, in a colorful setting.

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Isabella Hernandez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bro every kid in this world screams and they will hear him if they are infront of there parents

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#46

Is It Our Last Easter, Bro?

Crying toddlers with a vintage Easter bunny in a comedic, unsettling setting.

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#47

This Rabbit Doesn't Eat Carrots. He Eats Children!

Children sitting with a vintage Easter Bunny, looking uneasy.

Maria Cristina Carbajal Schut Report

#48

My Son Was Not A Fan Of Mr. Cottontail

Crying child on the lap of a vintage Easter Bunny with large bowtie in a colorful setting.

Jennifer Christopher Clark Report

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#49

Twins: Brady And Madison

Two children crying on the lap of a vintage Easter Bunny with a whimsical hat and bow tie.

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dunkaroos
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid on the right looks like its head is about to explode from the trauma.

#50

Little Bro To Sis: Ain't No Way I'm Sitting Here

Two children on a vintage Easter bunny's lap; one is crying, the other looks uneasy.

Holly Gladfelter Report

#51

Why Would You Choose To Punish Us Like That?

Vintage Easter Bunny with two scared children, one crying and the other covering their face.

Jennifer Walker Dornback Report

#52

Take Me Out Of Those Hands, Somebooody

Child looking scared while sitting with a vintage Easter Bunny costume.

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#54

Plan: Escape

Vintage Easter Bunny with children on a large green chair surrounded by colorful eggs and flowers.

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dunkaroos
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The older one is chill because she's sacrificing her sister so she can go free.

#55

Easter Bunny Not As I Remembered

Comic featuring vintage Easter Bunny imagery with funny and unsettling reactions.

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#57

Rex Fighting The Easter Bunny

Vintage Easter bunny in glasses, holding a child who looks uneasy, surrounded by park greenery.

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TwoReplies
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair... this is the White Rabbit from Disney's Alice in Wonderland... NOT an Easter bunny.

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Did You Enjoy These Hare-Raising Pictures?

Now that you know that the Easter Bunny tries to make up for his creepy reputation by handing out chocolates and Easter eggs, you can be on the lookout for him. Let us know in the comments if you have any scary Easter Bunny stories. We’d love to hear them!