RABBIT RABBIT

The tradition of saying "Rabbit, Rabbit" (or "White Rabbits") on the first day of the month is a long-held superstition intended to ensure good luck for the next 30 days. While its exact origins are "fuzzy" and likely rooted in ancient folklore, the practice has several documented historical milestones: Earliest Recorded Origins 1909 (First Written Mention): The earliest known written record of this superstition appears in the British journal Notes and Queries. A contributor noted that his daughters had a habit of saying "Rabbits!" as their first word on the first of the month to bring luck. Early 20th Century Folklore: By the 1920s and 30s, the tradition was well-established in British and North American folklore. It was often framed as a child's ritual, sometimes involving shouting the words up a chimney or saying them before morning prayers to receive a present by the end of the month. Famous Adopters and Popular Culture President Franklin D. Roosevelt: FDR was a famous practitioner of the habit. In 1935, a newspaper reported that he confessed to saying "Rabbits" every first of the month and wouldn't dream of skipping it. He was also known to carry a lucky rabbit's foot. World War II: During the war, RAF bomber crews reportedly said "white rabbits" upon waking each day as a protective charm. Nickelodeon (1990s): The tradition saw a resurgence in the U.S. when Nickelodeon promoted the last day of every month as "Rabbit Rabbit Day," reminding kids to say the phrase the following morning. Symbolic Roots The choice of the rabbit is likely linked to the animal's ancient association with fertility, abundance, and spring. In Celtic mythology, rabbits were believed to communicate with the spirit world because they lived underground. Common Rules & Variations: The "First Word" Rule: To "work," it must be the very first thing you say upon waking—before you even speak to a partner or pet. The "Tibbar" Fix: If you forget and speak before saying it, some folklore suggests you can reverse the bad luck by saying "Tibbar, Tibbar" (rabbit spelled backward) before you go to sleep that night. Regional Variations: In the UK, "White Rabbits" is more common, while "Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit" is frequently used in the U.S