for Easter holiday

By JULIE FINLEY

The Natchez Democrat

VIDALIA &045;&045; Everyone knows that it only takes two rabbits to get a roomful.

And that’s exactly what has happened in Virginia Clifton’s Vidalia home, except it is more like a houseful. Ceramic, stuffed, glass, plastic, Clifton has all kinds, and of course they all come out for Easter.

&uot;They multiply,&uot; Clifton’s husband Jerry said.

At last count the collection was up to 126 rabbits, Virginia Clifton said.

&uot;I just love bunnies,&uot; she said. &uot;I got the first one when I was pregnant for my first son’s Easter basket. It was .15 cents.&uot;

The 38-year-old small white plastic rabbit remains the cheapest among the collection, with the most expensive ringing in at $30, she said. The original rabbit holds a spot on the dining room table and stays out year round.

The latest additions to the collection include a china candy dish rabbit that matches an existing cookie jar rabbit. The two china pieces are currently Clifton’s favorites.

Clifton, who also decorates heavily for Christmas, said Easter was one of her favorite holidays.

&uot;It’s very meaningful to me,&uot; she said. &uot;It’s a Christian holiday just like Christmas. I just like the colors and the new beginnings of spring.&uot;

Though many of the rabbits adorn the Clifton home year round the number really increases at Easter. Every Easter grandchildren and other family members come to the Clifton home for an egg hunt. Clifton also always attends an Easter church service.

Though she’s not sure why she likes rabbits so much Clifton said it was probably the connection to spring.

&uot;They are a symbol of being fruitful,&uot; she said.

The collection grows throughout the year, often through friends and family who purchase rabbits for the house.

&uot;People have given them to me through the years,&uot; she said.