Whether you’ve been raising rabbits on your hobby farm, have a pet bunny, or randomly saw a wild rabbit scurrying around the corner, you may be wondering what rabbits themselves symbolize?
Afterall, the rabbit’s first ancestors have been found in the fossil record some 55 million years ago! Surely this fluffy lagomorph has some presumed or attached meaning.
Rabbits as a symbol have surfaced in many different areas of the globe and in diverse cultures. In this post we will go over some of these interesting and intricate associations that us humans have had with rabbits over the years!
Rabbit As A Symbol – Three Spiritual Meanings Of The Rabbit
Let’s first look at three of the most well-known spiritual meanings of the rabbit.
- The first one is in the traditional Chinese calendar. This calendar originated in the 14th century B.C.E and uses twelve different animals to characterize each year in a twelve year cycle.
The rabbit is the fourth animal, representing the fourth year in the cycle, and is known for being the luckiest animal of the zodiac. The Chinese believe those born in the year of the rabbit embody mercy, elegance, and beauty as calm and peace-centered individuals.
- The rabbit is another important animal in Christian symbology.
However, the true source and tie between the rabbit’s prominence as a Christian symbol in the celebration of Easter actually comes from pre-Christian Germany, when pagans celebrate spring and the Goddess Eostra, whose symbol was a rabbit because of their fertility and vitality (a perfect embodiment of spring time, right?).
- Finally, the rabbit as a good luck charm is a wide-spread spiritual understanding of the animal.
This is most likely influenced by a number of cultural practices that came in contact with each other through colonization and trade, but one thing is for sure: the idea of a rabbit’s food as a good luck charm is still understood by many in this modern day.
For an interesting perspective on why and how the rabbit and its foot became a good luck omen, check out History’s take on the subject.
So, Are Rabbits A Symbol Of Good Luck?
Without a doubt: Yes, rabbits are widely understood as omens and signs of good luck!
Again, this particular symbol of rabbit is most likely a homogenisation of multiple different cultural understandings of the rabbit, evolved into a modern day symbol of good luck.
Some people even say ‘Rabbit, rabbit’ to initiate and welcome in luck and good fortune each new day or month!
What About Rabbit As A Spirit Animal
Spirit animals are those which are evoked for guidance, advice, and strength in any given period of time by an individual or group.
They are present in many different cultures, thanks to the inspiration and lessons that animals can show and teach us.
The rabbit as a spirit animal involves understanding and interpreting the strongest senses and gifts of that animal and applying them to your given situation.
For example, rabbits as spirit animals are known to bring about focus, sensitivity, fertility, abundance, and haste.
The Prophetic Meaning Of Rabbits
There is hardly one prophetic meaning of the rabbit.
The interpretation of the rabbit, and weather or not that resonates with you, depends greatly on culture, religion, and life experience.
Some examples of existing prophetic meanings of the rabbit include:
- Heralds incoming luck
- The creator/builder of the earth (Algonquin Indians)
- A symbol of fertility and fecundity
- Encourages sensitivity and gentleness
What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of A Rabbit Crossing Your Path
As far as Alice in Wonderland was concerned, the meaning of a rabbit crossing her path was a wild and confusing journey into another reality!
But for those of us on our homesteads or hobby farms, you may be inspired to interpret a rabbit crossing your path as an opportunity to reflect on the speed in which you are moving forward with projects and plans, ensuring nothing is rushed and everything is accounted for.
And because it is almost always associated with good fortune, many individuals feel good when a rabbit crosses their path and take it to be a sign of abundance and joy!
White Rabbit Symbolism
The white rabbit has symbolized rebirth, freshness, purity, and even longevity!
A white snow rabbit is a beautiful creature, especially with the naturally timid and soft demeanor of many bunnies. Over the years we have had a few snow white bunnies show up in our litters, although most white rabbits have darker markings on their nose, ears, or feet!
Final Thoughts On The Symbol Of Rabbits
As an animal that has been around humankind since the beginning, the rabbit has a myriad of different spiritual and mythical significances.
The fun part is to learn about them and see which one resonates most with you. There is absolute freedom in determining how you want to relate to and be inspired by rabbits! Another post you may like: How to choose Funny Bunny Names for your favorite rabbits.