Tiny moon and rabbit pendant set made with oxidized sterling silver
approx length 18mm width 8mm
Please note: Chain not included. However, browse our range of Italian silver chains in a variety of lengths and link styles.
Have you ever looked up at the moon and seen what looks like a rabbit pounding on a log or pestle? Did you know there are many legends around the world about this rabbit? Well there are!
From Asia (where it is most commonly found) to the Americas there have been many legends told about the rabbit in the moon over the centuries. It has been a popular Chinese legend for many centuries, has appeared in traditional Native American stories, and was even discussed during the Apollo 11 moon landing mission!
So what are some of the legends about the Moon Rabbit and traditions surrounding it? Hop on down and find out!
What is the Moon Rabbit?
The moon rabbit is, simply put, the markings on the moon that look like a rabbit pounding in a pestle. This is what is known in science as a 'pareidolia', or an image or sound that appears to be something significant. The famous face on Mars or clouds that take different shapes are other examples of this.
The Moon Rabbit of Turtle Island
A number of First Nations (Native American) people in the US, Canada, and Mexico have stories about the moon rabbit as well.
The Aztecs believe that the god Quetzalcoatl lived on the earth as a man at one time. He started on a journey and after traveling on foot for some time, became tired and hungry. Since there was nothing to drink and no food around, he thought he would die. However, the rabbit was grazing and found the man. She offered herself as food to save his life. Quetzalcoatl, humbled by the rabbit's offer to sacrifice herself for his well-being, then took the rabbit to the moon and brought her back to Earth, telling her "You are just a rabbit, but you will be remembered by everyone. Your image is in the light of the moon for all people of all times."
The Cree also have a story about the moon rabbit. The rabbit wanted to ride the moon, but only the crane would take him. The big rabbit held on to the crane's skinny legs and as a result, its legs were stretched during the course of the trip. This is why the crane's legs are now elongated. When they touched down on the moon, the rabbit touched the crane's head with a bloody paw, rewarding him with the red marks on his head that the crane has to this very day. Up to this very day the rabbit still rides to the moon.
The Moon Rabbit in the Media
The moon rabbit has been the subject of a number of movies, books, and more.
One movie featuring the moon rabbit is the 1972/1979 Kenneth Anger film "Rabbit's Moon" starring Claude Revenant, André Soubeyran, and Nadine Valence. In this movie, a clown named Pierrot longs for the moon (as well as the rabbit in the moon) and every night tries desperately to jump in the air and catch it. He does this until another clown named Harlequin comes along, teases him, and introduces him to a female clown named Columbina.
Whatever myth, legend or story you prefer, there is no denying everyone will love this super cute charm!
