Rabbits in literature / symbolic

Rabbits are often used as a symbol of fertility or rebirth, and have long been associated with spring and Easter as the Easter Bunny. The species' role as a prey animal also lends itself as a symbol of innocence, another Easter connotation.
Additionally, rabbits are often used as symbols of playful sexuality, which also relates to the human perception of innocence, as well as its reputation as a prolific breeder.


Playboy bunny??
According to Hugh Hefner, the Bunny was inspired by Bunny's Tavern in Urbana, Illinois.
Bunny's Tavern was named for its original owner, Bernard "Bunny" Fitzsimmons, who opened for business in 1936.

In Aztec mythology, a pantheon of four hundred rabbit gods known as Centzon Totochtin, led by Ometotchtli or Two Rabbit, represented fertility, parties, and drunkenness.
In Central Africa, "Kalulu" the rabbit is widely known as a tricky character, getting the better of bargains.   
In Chinese literature, rabbits accompany Chang'e on the Moon. Also associated with the Chinese New Year, rabbits are also one of the twelve celestial animals in the Chinese Zodiac for the Chinese calendar. It is interesting to note that the Vietnamese lunar new year replaced the rabbit with a cat in their calendar, as rabbits did not inhabit Vietnam.
A rabbit's foot is carried as an amulet believed to bring good luck. This is found in many parts of the world, and with the earliest use being in Europe around 600 B.C.


In Japanese tradition, rabbits live on the Moon where they make mochi, the popular snack of mashed sticky rice. This comes from interpreting the pattern of dark patches on the moon as a rabbit standing on tiptoes on the left pounding on an usu, a Japanese mortar.


In Jewish folklore, rabbits are associated with cowardice, a usage still current in contemporary Israeli spoken Hebrew.

A Korean myth similar to the Japanese counterpart presents rabbits living on the moon making rice cakes.

In Native American Ojibwe mythology, Nanabozho, or Great Rabbit, is an important deity related to the creation of the world.

A Vietnamese mythological story portrays the rabbit of innocence and youthfulness. The Gods of the myth are shown to be hunting and killing rabbits to show off their power.




I found rabbits in literature really interesting, however after talking to Graham about it we decided that it would be difficult to make a final piece out if it, including my illustrations.