Student Exchange Programs

We have had several exchange students ( they are all Bhuddist or Shinto), that have stayed with us over the years, and we send packages at different times during the year. We always send Easter baskets with various candies, chocolate bunnies, and other thing too that are associated with the holiday. But, I got a letter this year from one of the students, and she wanted to know what the significance of the bunnies in relation to Easter. For the life of me, I don’t know what it is. Anybody out there know what it is, or how it started?