People who believe in luck may also favor good luck charms. Centuries of superstition and folklore championed and promoted lucky charms to ward off evil and bad luck. As it was then and today, a rabbit’s foot is one of these lucky charms.
The rabbit’s foot is a good luck amulet and part of many cultures, including North America, South America, China, Africa, Europe, and other countries. Based on the folklore of some of these countries, there is a good possibility that three-legged rabbits roamed the countryside.
There were different strokes for different countries. In some countries, the foot had to be taken from a live rabbit; in others, a dead rabbit. Whichever the case, people preserved the furry feet by drying them out.
Just as having a rabbit’s foot is considered good luck, losing the foot is the opposite, or bad luck.
Hares and rabbits were the prime prey of paw-cutting salespersons and enthusiasts. In addition to being good luck charms, Europeans used rabbit feet to ward off ailments such as gout, toothache, rheumatism, cramps, and other illnesses.
When, where, and how the foot is cut off can be crucial to the foot’s powers or properties. Rabbit feet taken in cemeteries, churches, or sacred places added to their magical and mystical appeal. It had even more significance if the foot was cut off on Friday the 13th or a rainy Friday.
Believing that witches turned into rabbits also dramatized the supernatural or the degree of the charm’s power. Some stories even take into account the physical or mental attributes of the charm holder.
The rabbit’s foot good-luck legend can be traced to the practice of hoodoo or voodoo, a practice of sorcery. Those of the hoodoo persuasion suggest the rabbit’s foot is a substitute for the body part of a shapeshifted witch.
Full moon, new moon, dead or alive, the rabbit’s hind leg is removed. Some legends specify the right, others the left hind leg, along with the instrument of death, such as a silver bullet.
Japanese mythology considers rabbits to be clever and, therefore, have the properties of clarity, intelligence, and confidence.
Where should one carry this furry lucky charm?
Inside the left pocket is thought to be the perfect place to carry the rabbit’s mummified foot. Worn as a necklace, placed in a purse, or on a key chain are also acceptable ways to maximize the foot’s powers.
Contrary to ancient and recent modern times, today’s rabbit feet are made of synthetic fur or plastic materials. No more chasing or trapping rabbits in cemeteries or anywhere else; the real McCoy is unnecessary. A faux rabbit will suffice for good luck.
The other key to the foot’s powers is a personal one. The foot is held while setting one’s intentions and desires. Taking the foot to a job interview or an athletic competition would not be unusual for people who believed in its good luck powers.
Back in the day, it was not unusual for gamblers to carry a rabbit’s foot for luck.
There is a legend that in 1884, presidential candidate Grover Cleveland had the foot of a rabbit killed on Jesse James, the notorious outlaw’s grave.
I hope you are happy and well.