No matter where he lives, Rabbit is associated with the Moon, and this seems to be so from very early in human civilization. But why a lapine and not any other creature? Perhaps it is because Rabbits are usually seen at dawn or dusk. No one really knows for certain, but it does not take much imagination to see the dark shape of a Rabbit upon the full moon's face.

The Mare Tranquilitatis, the Mare Foecunditatis and the Mare Nectaris form Rabbit's head and ears, his tail formed by Mare Nubium. Some say that the Mare Imbrium is an egg held between Rabbit's paws.

Another suggestion is the fact that it takes 28 days, one lunar month, before newborn Hares are ready to leave their mother.

Rabbit and Hare have always been representative of swift action, often serving as a messenger.

Hare is known for conserving his energy, leaping only as needed, and upon the scent of a forest fire will leap through the flames to the protection of the already scorched trees rather than try to outrun the flames.

Rabbit is also reknowned for his astounding fertility - some sources estimate that one doe can bear 42 young in one year. Though he is hunted by nearly every predator including man, Rabbit continues to survive and prosper. It is no surprise, then, that Rabbit is a symbol of fertility, abundance, sexuality, lasciviousness, lust, and procreation.

The Hare can stand for madness and the month of March, due to the male Hare's spring-time capers.

Man's opinion of Rabbit has generally been high, but not always. Sailors considered Hares such bad luck that they were not allowed on board, not even their name could be mentioned - the word "coney" was used instead, but only if absolutely necessary. In Christian countries, the Hare was a known familiar of witches - second in popularity only to the cat. A Hare crossing a path was unlucky, especially to a pregnant woman, whose child would be born with a hare-lip, or not born at all.

But Rabbit was not all bad luck, in fact one of the best known good luck charms is the Rabbit's foot. The left rear foot was considered the most lucky; but grave misfortune would come your way if you should lose it. A Rabbit's foot was also thought to avert rheumatism and cramps, and was carried by actors to ensure a good performance. Hare fat burned in a lamp was thought to make all present merry, and its brain taken in wine before bedtime prevented oversleeping.

We do not know what Rabbit thought of all this; surely he would have preferred to keep all his feet - and luck - to himself!

© 2005 Heather Riesen