Question: OK, I give up. Just where did the Easter Bunny come from? I understand the origin of Santa Claus and witches at Halloween and all that stuff, but a rabbit? For Easter? They don't even lay eggs. What gives?

        Answer: Fertility. That's what gives, says Jeeves (www.askjeeves.com).

        Easter, don't you see, is the convergence of Pagan, Hebrew and Christian holidays, all dealing with rebirth and renewal.

        The rabbit has been with us since pre-Christian days. It was the most fertile and prolific creature they could find, so pagans began using it to symbolize winter's retreat and spring's new life. The rabbit was also the earthly symbol of Eastre, the goddess they were celebrating.

        Fast forward to Germany in the 1500s where they're busy celebrating Easter and the arrival of spring. Early writings frequently refer to the rabbit as the season's symbol.

        Those same Germans brought the tradition across the water, to the Pennsylvania Dutch region in the 1700s where it was a tradition for kids to leave their hats in a bed of straw where a bunny could lay a nest of colored eggs.

        Meanwhile, back in 1800, a German baker had the bright idea to celebrate with edible bunnies. The first ones were made out of pastry and sugar, kind of like a doughnut, but chocolate versions followed soon after.

        If you have a stupid question, send it to Ask a Stupid Question, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati OH 45202; fax: 768-8330.

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