Any of several soft-furred, large-eared, rodent like burrowing mammals of the family Leporidae. The ancient Britons may have made use of rabbits for purposes of Divination; it was unlawful to eat them at the time of the Gallic Wars (c. 50 B.C.E.), and in all the British Isles it was a common complaint that witches and hags changed themselves into rabbits in order to steal milk from pastured animals, Sailors avoid saying the word “rabbit” before going out to sea; a dead rabbit on board is said to bring bad weather and shipwreck. In Great Britain, the superstitious repeat “rabbit” or “white rabbit” three times on the first day of the month to bring good fortune for the duration of the month. Seeing a white rabbit near one’s house is, on the contrary, an omen of death. Numerous curative powers have been attributed to the severed foot of a rabbit. It is said to lessen the pain of gout, cramps, and rheumatism, and brushing a rabbit’s foot across a baby’s cheek or putting it under a child’s pillow guards against accidents. Carrying a rabbit’s foot is said to prevent accidents for the bearer and to guard against Witchcraft, and also brings good luck in acting, gambling, and thievery. Bad luck, however, comes to all those who lose their rabbit’s foot.
Allow me to introduce a diminutive creature from the esteemed hare family, none other than the remarkable rabbit. Revered and cherished across the vast expanse of Europe, both wild and domesticated rabbits grace the culinary landscape with their presence. However, it is worth noting that in the United States, their popularity has not soared to the same heights, perhaps owing to their association with the beloved Easter bunny. Nonetheless, for farmers and rural communities scattered throughout the globe, these delightful creatures offer a veritable feast, a testament to their culinary appeal and the bounty they bestow upon those who appreciate their flavors.