|
|
Question
#41800. gmackematix
asks:
What do "White Rabbits" have to do with the first of the month?
|
Senior Moments
|
In some parts of Lancashire and the adjacent counties, it is unwise to shoot a black rabbit. This is because they were once believed to be ancestral spirits returning in that form. In Somerset, white rabbits are said to be witches. That anyone really believes this now is improbable; nevertheless, white rabbits are not popular as children’s pets, and they are usually left severely alone, and are not shot. A luck-bringing custom found all over Great Britain is to say ‘Rabbits’ or ‘White Rabbits’ once or three times on the first day of the month. It must be said early in the morning, before any other word has been uttered, otherwise the charm loses its force. In some districts it is considered necessary to say ‘Hares’ or ‘Black Rabbits’ when going to bed on the night before, as well as ‘Rabbits’ or White Rabbits’ in the morning. If, however, the speaker becomes muddled and says ‘Black Rabbits’ on rising, bad luck will follow. The looked-for result of all this is variously given as general good luck during the ensuing four weeks, or the receipt of a gift within a few days.” From the “Encyclopedia of Superstitions” by E. and M.A. Radford, edited and revised by Christina Hole, Barnes and Noble Books, 1996. First published in 1948.
Dec 01 03, 2:24 AM
|
|
Fun Trivia | 
Quizzes | 
Games
| 
People | 
Services | 
Help | 
Me
Sign up for your FREE FunTrivia ID! Compete,
play free games, and meet people! Click here...
Have a question that you want answered? Are you able to answer questions from other FunTrivia guests? Then you have come to the right
place!