The Easter Bunny & Santa occupy a similar place on the children's icons hierarchy. They are both symbols representing religious holidays, both travel the world delivering gifts and both dissapate as one moves closer to adulthood, taking some of the magic with them.

    The Easter Bunny is not quite as esteemed as Santa, perhaps because he's an animal & not human, which some people view as a higher life form. There are myriad versions of Santa around the globe, each with slightly different looks & customs. Whereas, the Easter Bunny isn't as cosmopolitain, there is only the Easter Bilby in Australia. Santa also has more accessories, chimney, tree, elves' workshop. Not to mention the reindeer drawn sleigh. Easter Bunny has to hop everywhere, though occasionally you'll see a card where he's riding a bicycle.Obviously he's in better shape. His basket for carrying gifts is much spiffier than Santa's sack, and the bow tie is dapper, but doesn't quite make the fashion statement of the red suit.

   Santa Claus seems capable of delivering any sort of gift, no matter how elaborate. The Easter Bunny is limited to candy, eggs & toys, preferably soft, stuffed ones. And who colors all those eggs? Does he have a factory of rabbits or chicks working on them? Surely he can't do them all himself? There's not as much back story for Mr. Bunny, either. So many unanswered questions.

    I'm not even going to consider who might win in a wrestling match.....