We already talked about many different animal tattoos and their symbolism and meaning in the tattoo world. Animals, as we all know, form a huge part of our lives. The world would not be the same place without these creatures. Despite that they are very important for the world, in general, they also have significant meanings for different cultures and traditions. Animal symbolism varies depending on the animal itself. There are animals in the world which are considered to be sacred and many animals which find their place in the tattoo world. One such animal is the rabbit.
Do you know something more about this little animal and its symbolic meanings? If you don’t, keep reading and see how it is used in tattoo designs. The rabbit tattoo will definitely be an adorable and charming animal tattoo you can put on your skin.
- Characteristics
The rabbit is a small mammal that belongs to the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha. Oryctolagus cuniculu actually includes the European rabbit species, together with its descendants, the 305 breeds of domestic rabbit of the world. Sylvilagus includes about 13 wild rabbit species, and among them, there are seven types of cottontail.
The European rabbit, which was introduced on every continent except the Antarctic, is well-known all over the world as a wild prey animal. Also, it is known as a domesticated form of livestock, as well as a pet. With the widespread effect that it has on cultures and ecologies, the rabbit is a part of everyday life. This happens in different areas of the world. The most common forms in which it is present is as food, a companion, clothing, or a source of artistic inspiration.
As rabbits are prey animals, they are constantly aware of their surroundings. For example, in Mediterranean Europe, they are the main prey of red foxes, Iberian lynxes, and badgers. When a potential threat confronts them, they may freeze and observe then warn others.
Rabbits are animals that have a remarkably wide field of vision. Also, a good deal of this vision is devoted to overhead scanning. They survive predation by burrowing, hopping away, and delivering powerful kicks when captured. The strong teeth that they have to allow them to eat and also to bite. In this way, they can escape a struggle.
The longest-lived rabbit was a domesticated European rabbit that lived in Tasmania, a diet at the age of 18. Wild rabbits have a much shorter lifespan. The average longevity of an eastern cottontail, for example, is less than one year.
- Rabbit tattoos, meaning, and symbolism.
Rabbits are definitely more than those adorable little animals that we have all come to love when we were kids. In a lot of cultures around the world, the rabbit is the animal of the moon. Here, it symbolizes fertility and virility.
Although in the West we often see a “man in the moon” when we look up at night, other cultures frequently see a rabbit. North American groups, together with the Maya and Buddhist are several examples. There, the rabbit takes on some of the characteristics of other lunar symbols. Such symbols are that of the life cycle, new life, and renewal. Moreover, it finds its association with alertness, rampant breeding ability, and being fleet of foot.
When it comes to fertility, the rabbit had its association with both the Greek god’s Aphrodite and her son Cupid. Also, in the Chinese Zodiac, the people who are born in the Year of the Rabbit are ambitious and articulate. However, they are also virtuous to the point that even their gossip can generally be kind.
Throughout history, the rabbit’s image was utilized in order to represent many characteristics and meanings, including:
- Virility;
- Fertility;
- Cunning;
- Intelligence;
- Paganism;
- Spirituality;
- A connection with nature;
- Purity;
- Chastity;
- The Moon and lunar cycles;
- Prosperity;
- Wealth;
- Luck, etc.
Rabbit tattoos are not among the most popular animal tattoo designs out there. However, they are not too far down the rankings as well. When artists do them correctly, they can look great on the skin. Also, they can come with many symbolic meanings, just like those we already mentioned.
Like many other animal tattoos, these tattoos can represent the love of nature of their owner. As rabbits are present everywhere in the world, nature backgrounds are commonly present in these designs. In this way, you will show off your love of the outdoors. However, the rabbit alone, when looking realistic, can do the job all by itself.
You can also get a rabbit tattoo if you love this animal a lot, or if you have it as a pet. Rabbits are very good pets to have, as they fill you with peace and tranquility. Also, in order to keep your lost rabbit pet in memory, you can choose to do that with a tattoo if it. These tattoos are excellent when it comes to something like this.
Overall, rabbit tattoos are good for tattoo lovers, especially animal lovers. That’s why you should take into consideration its meaning and symbolism and decide what you will do next.
