An Easter basket just wouldn'tbe the same without a big ol'chocolate bunny as its centerpiece.But how did it get there?.The modern conception of thecreature comes from the"Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws.".This egg-laying hare from Germanicfolklore would leave behind colorfulchicken or duck eggs for children.The 1876 invention of milk chocolateby Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peterwas a major breakthrough.There's evidence that one of theearliest tins for making a chocolaterabbit can be traced back to 1890.Molds that could make hollowbunnies entered the picture by 1939.