Chapter
The Dark Origins of the Rabbit's Foot
24:15 - 28:16 (04:00)
The rabbit's foot charm, originally believed to be lucky, has dark origins. It started as a highly potent magic charm originating from Hoodoo, brought over to the Americas by West African slaves.
Clips
Hares and rabbits were considered lucky in ancient times due to their symbol of fertility, often for the practical reasons of help on farms and survival in agrarian societies.
24:15 - 25:51 (01:36)
Summary
Hares and rabbits were considered lucky in ancient times due to their symbol of fertility, often for the practical reasons of help on farms and survival in agrarian societies. The tradition of carrying a rabbit's foot for good luck evolved from the use of hare's feet, which were initially deemed lucky due to their larger size.
ChapterThe Dark Origins of the Rabbit's Foot
EpisodeThe Origins of Some Everyday Superstitions
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The belief of rabbit's foot as a lucky charm originated from the West African tradition of Hoodoo brought over by the enslaved people to the Americas and the idea that the left rear foot of a rabbit shot in a cemetery with a silver bullet around midnight is the luckiest one you could have due to its strong association with witchcraft.
25:51 - 28:16 (02:24)
Summary
The belief of rabbit's foot as a lucky charm originated from the West African tradition of Hoodoo brought over by the enslaved people to the Americas and the idea that the left rear foot of a rabbit shot in a cemetery with a silver bullet around midnight is the luckiest one you could have due to its strong association with witchcraft.