|
Japanese Culture and
Social Customs |
What do you think when you think of a rabbit? Do you think of a gentle, tame and cute animal? Since olden times, rabbits have been considered very lucky animals, as they are associated with spring because they hop freely through the field. They are also symbols of good news collectors and good listeners because of their long ears. By the wa  y, there is a belief that a
rabbit’s foot is a symbol of luck among the native Americans. When a
rabbit runs, its hind feet go ahead of its front ones. Therefore, the hind
feet are considered lucky. The rabbit’s foot amulet is popular amongst the
Americans at present. It is usually carried on a key chain or worn on a
necklace to ward off accidents and evil, and increase good luck. There are several ancient traditions related to rabbits in Japan. When people see the pattern on the moon surface, they used to believe that there were rabbits in it and that they were pounding steamed rice into cake. It is said that it looks like a big crab in China and a woman’s profile in the West. What is the lunar surface pattern like in your country? “The Hare and the Tortoise” is a well-known, funny Aesop’s Fable. One day the hare teased the tortoise about being so slow, and they ran to the top of the hill. The hare was sure he would win, and lay down by the wayside on the way, and fell asleep. After a while, the hare noticed that he had overslept, and dashed for the goal in a fluster, but it was too late. The hare learned that overconfidence is a source of downfall. |