Today is the first day of August, which means I tried to remember to say “Rabbit Rabbit” before anything else.
I only learned about this superstition a few years ago. Supposedly, if the first words out of your mouth on the first day of the month are “Rabbit Rabbit,” you’ll have good luck all month long. Simple enough. And there’s never any harm in inviting a little luck into your life, so I now try to say it each month.
Rabbits have been a big part of my life long before I adopted this monthly ritual. My great-grandfather was the grandson of Joel Chandler Harris, who created the character of Uncle Remus and wrote down the Br’er Rabbit folktales he heard from enslaved African American storytellers, preserving stories that had been passed down through generations.
But my favorite rabbit memories are much smaller.
My great grandparents had an extensive collection of miniature porcelain rabbits. Every time I visited their house, I was allowed to choose one rabbit to call mine for the visit and on rare occasions take home with me. It felt like being handed a tiny treasure, and I took that responsibility very seriously. I still have a few of those little rabbits today, and every time I see one, I’m reminded of how much joy picking one out brought me, and I smile.
Considering my family history, it’s easy to see how rabbits hopped into my art. They’re curious, clever, a little mischievous, and full of personality. A few years ago, I even released a small collection of bunny characters, each with its own name and story. Bramble found comfort in the briars, Finn was always chasing his next adventure, and Wren believed there was magic hidden in every clover patch.
So if you remembered to say “Rabbit Rabbit” this morning, I hope it brings you a little extra luck. And if you forgot…there’s always next month. Happy August!
