Why Do People Say 'Rabbit, Rabbit' for Luck on the First Day of the Month? Know the Peculiar Origins and History

"Rabbit, Rabbit," a tradition uttered on the first day of the month to bring forth positive luck, has a captivating past. It is believed that if one utters those words prior to any other on the very first day of a fresh month then good luck would prevail during the next thirty days.

This custom is believed to have originated from Lewis Carpet and his story published in 1865 known as Alice in wonderland. The white rabbit happens to lead a young girl’s wanderings in the fantastical story. The fairy tale takes readers on an imaginary journey; however, there seems to be a reason behind naming the “lucky rabbit” in terms of having an impact here. In fact, the expression “rabbit, rabbit, rabbit”, referring to good luck, was mentioned for The “Notes and Queries” section in English publication dated March 27 explained that children, believing in magical thinking, would climb up chimneys, shout “rabbit, rabbit” before start of any month hoping to receive presents or gifts. This established its relationship in making a prosperous month.

Unusual as it may seem, this unique custom has become more and more popular over time among people who want to achieve different kinds of happiness. This practice has also caught on among prominent people like politicians and famous celebrities who have claimed its health benefits.


President Theodore Roosevelt was famous for carrying a rabbits’ foot while campaigning as president in 1932. The success seems to have been made possible by this sort of superstition. “Bunny bunny” was also a popular catchphrase said by Saturday Night Live acting professional Gilda Radner when she needed some luck. Simon Winchester a british-american journalist has done this practice since 1948, the time he was only four years and he said “white rabbits” in every first day of the months henceforth.

Luck is associated with rabbits by many cultures and traditions. Rabbits represent long life, tranquility, prosperity in the Chinese zodiac, whereas natives associate them with craftiness and skillfulness in solving problems. The belief that the rabbit is tied to luckiness, long life, and cunningness may be what caused this superstition.

FAQs:

Q1: Why is it considered as a good luck practice to exclaim “rabbit, rabbit” on the first day of every month?
A1: Superstition dictates the “rabbit, rabbit” saying on the first day of a month with no one in doubt that it brings in the luck for the succeeding thirty days.

Q2: Name some famous people who are identified with this ritual?
A2: President Theodore Roosevelt had a lucky rabbit’s foot to him and he would say “rabbits” every first day of the month in order to make the year lucky.