Fuzzy ears, a trembling nose, and endless jumps. A rabbit is not just a creature. It is an archetype that humanity has been using for thousands of years. From ancient lunar myths to the Easter chocolate bunny, from a laboratory animal to a symbol of capitalism ("the quick rabbit"). Why did this harmless creature become one of the most vivid cultural symbols? We analyze the evolution of the image.Rabbit and Hare: A Century-Long ConfusionBefore talking about the symbol, it is necessary to understand zoology. The cultural image often confuses the rabbit and the hare. Among Slavs, "hare" (timid, white in winter) and "rabbit" (domestic) were perceived differently. But in the European tradition, especially at Easter, the hare (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is the figure. In Chinese astrology, it is the hare (in Russian, the hare is often called "rabbit" in the horoscope). For simplicity, we will speak of the collective image "fluffy long-eared".The Easter Bunny: A Symbol of Fertility and RebirthThe most mass cultural manifestation of the rabbit is Easter. In the Western tradition, the Easter hare (Osterhase) brings children baskets with chocolate eggs. The roots are in pagan Germany, where the hare was a symbol of the goddess of spring Eostre. The rabbit is a symbol of fertility (quickly reproduces) and resurrection (spring, awakening). In the 19th century, German immigrants brought this tradition to the United States, where it became global. Today, chocolate bunnies, marzipan rabbits, and cards with rabbits are an integral part of Easter, competing with Christian symbols.Rabbit in Literature: From Fear to MischievousnessThe most famous literary rabbit is Peter (Beatrix Potter). This blue coat, who steals vegetables from Mr. McGregor, became a classic of children's literature. He is disobedient, timid, but cute. The other pole is the Rabbit from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (the Mad Hatter is not a rabbit, but the March Hare next to him). The White Rabbit with a watch symb ... Read more