It certainly existed for generations prior to when it was first written about .. as much of all human activity did.

We have actual remains of rabbits from long long ago.

The point being much human activity leaves little trace, we'd be wise to not assume the only human activity was activity that left a pyramid or giant stautue in its wake.

Yes, but traditions are also invented all the time, and there's no reason to assume a random tradition among German Protestants in the 17th century goes back over a thousand years without evidence.