Why do we say ‘white rabbits’ as a greeting on the first day of each new month?
Even my partner, who is a rational man and not prone to superstitious beliefs, says it to me on the first morning of every new month.
This is not a superstition I grew up with, so it is new to me.
The number 13, four-leaf clovers, walking under an open ladder, and opening an umbrella inside are just a few of the superstitions that I learned about as a child. As well as throwing spilled salt over my shoulder (to blind the devil, of course,) and touch wood for good luck. (All, I believed, to be related to ancient Christianity.)
I wondered where ‘white rabbits’ came from. Here’s what I discovered.
The tradition of saying “White Rabbits” at the beginning of each month is a curious superstition believed to bring good luck for the coming month. This practice, where people say ‘White Rabbits, ‘Rabbit Rabbit,’ or some other variation, is particularly popular in the UK, but variations of it can also be found in North America and other English-speaking countries.
The exact origins of this superstition are a bit murky, but it’s generally thought to have roots in folklore and childhood traditions. Here are a few theories about its beginnings, and these theories also seem to be the common source of many other superstitions:
Ancient Beliefs: Rabbits have long been associated with luck and prosperity. In various cultures, rabbits and hares are seen as symbols of fertility and abundance. This could be why invoking them at the start of a new cycle, like the beginning of a month, is seen as a way to attract good fortune.
Folklore and Fairy Tales: The idea might be connected to ancient pagan rituals and folklore, where invoking animals believed to have magical properties was common. Rabbits, being nocturnal and prolific breeders, were often linked to the moon and cycles of growth, which might have translated into modern times as a monthly good luck charm.
Children’s Rhymes and Games: It’s also possible that the tradition grew out of a children’s game or rhyme. Such sayings and customs often persist in playful childhood practices, passed down from generation to generation.
Soldier’s Superstitions: Another theory suggests that soldiers in the trenches during World War I might have adopted the phrase as a good luck charm, spreading it further into popular culture.
While the true origin remains a bit of a mystery, the charm of saying “White Rabbits” lies in the joy of shared tradition. It’s a delightful way to start a new month with a positive mindset and a touch of whimsy. Whether it brings you luck or just a smile, it’s good to acknowledge the start of a new cycle, with positivity and an open mind.
Our adoption of superstitions could be a way of believing that we have control over external conditions, and thus reduces our fears, especially as many of the most commonly practiced date from medieval times when the church was in a constant battle with older, prevailing pagan beliefs. There is also a suggestion that belief in superstitions has a psychological benefit through a reduction in anxiety for the individual.
I became interested in other common superstitions from folklore which I learned in childhood and persist into modern times, along with some reasons why they might endure in a scientific age of scepticism and reason.
Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck:
This superstition dates back to ancient Rome, where it was believed that mirrors held a piece of a person’s soul. Breaking a mirror was thought to damage the soul, and the number seven comes from the Romans’ belief that life renewed every seven years which is in itself, an interesting belief. The superstition persists because mirrors are often seen as mystical objects that reflect not just our physical appearance but also our inner selves. The idea of a broken mirror symbolising bad luck taps into deep-seated fears about harm to one’s soul or spirit.
Throwing Salt Over Your Left Shoulder:
This practice is also thought to have originated from Roman times and the belief that spilled salt was unlucky because it was valuable. Throwing salt over the left shoulder was believed to blind the devil waiting there. And it persists today, especially amongst Christians, because blinding the devil is obviously a glorious thing to do! But for Pagans, it has significance because of its long-standing association of salt with purity and protection. It’s a quick, easy gesture that can be done to ward off bad luck, providing a sense of control over one’s fate.
Knocking on Wood:
This practice comes from both ancient pagan and Christian traditions. Pagans believe that spirits and gods resided in trees. Knocking on wood was a way to call upon these protective spirits for good luck or to prevent bad luck. As I child, I believed this to be the wood of the cross, asking Jesus for protection: a clear example of pagan beliefs translating into later Christianity. It continues because it’s a small, harmless action that can be done almost anywhere. The sound of knocking wood can also provide a physical reassurance, making it a comforting ritual to ensure good fortune.
Black Cats Crossing Your Path Brings Bad Luck:
As a child, I thought that this custom brought good luck, which illustrates how superstitions change to suit the prevailing culture. Further research suggests that in some European folklore, black cats, considered common companions of witches, are associated with the supernatural, and are therefore bringers of misfortune if they happened to cross your path. They were thought to be a sign of a witch’s familiar or even the devil in disguise. In contrast, Welsh folklore depicts black cats as bringing luck to a home. This belief prevailed in my home, possibly because I have a Welsh grandfather on my mother’s side. Despite changing views on cats, the superstition endures because it taps into deep-rooted fears about the unknown and the supernatural. The mysterious nature of cats, especially black ones, continues to fuel this age-old belief.
Horseshoes as Good Luck Charms:
This belief dates back to the Middle Ages when horseshoes, made of iron and shaped like a crescent moon, were thought to ward off evil spirits. The blacksmith’s trade was also considered lucky, and the horseshoe symbolised protection. Horseshoes are still seen as symbols of luck due to their historical associations with protection and their practical use in ensuring a horse’s safety and wellbeing. Hanging a horseshoe, especially over a door, remains a popular way to invite good fortune.
Most superstitions which persist in modern times do so because they offer simple actions or symbols that people can use to feel more secure and in control of their lives. They often provide comfort and a sense of connection to the past, tapping into our innate desire for rituals and beliefs that make the unpredictable nature of life feel a bit more manageable.
As an adult, it might be easy to laugh off superstitions or look at data to “disprove” them, but there is no denying that superstitions are present in cultures across the globe, and throughout different periods in history. And they have a real impact on the way people experience the world.
So ‘White Rabbits’ to you all, whether you are superstitious or not. I’m off for a walk to see if I can find a black cat to cross paths with, (figers crossed,) unless it walks under a ladder in which case, I won’t follow.
