Since ancient times, people have associated animals with luck — this belief is rooted in the concept of totemism.
The belief in a spiritual connection between humans and other living beings dates back thousands of years. Each tribe believed it descended from a specific type of animal. To honor these animals, tribes would kill their protectors and create totems from their parts.
Elements of totemism can also be found in modern society. Sports teams use mascots, and political parties often choose specific animals as symbols or mascots.
But what about the rabbit's foot?
Most historians believe that the Celts were the first to associate rabbits with luck around 600 BC. It is worth noting that they were referring to hares, but at that time many Europeans confused hares and rabbits.
Since the hare lives in burrows, the Celts believed that this animal communicated with the underworld, with gods and spirits. It was thought that the hare possessed knowledge inaccessible to humans. People are born with their eyes closed, while rabbits are born with their eyes wide open, and the Celts believed that this animal brings wisdom into the world.
Another characteristic of rabbits is their high fertility. Folklorists assert that ancient civilizations often used the foot as a phallic symbol. Totem feet were believed to promote fertility in women.
