Research for Rabies Rabbit  

The circular symbol known as The Three Hares — which shows three hares chasing each other in a circle, with each ear shared by two hares, so that only three ears are shown — has been found in Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, Jewish and Hindu contexts in the medieval world. The symbol can be seen in numerous sacred sites from the Middle East, to the Far East, to historical synagogues across Europe, and inside the churches of Devon, England.

Its earliest appearance has connections to Buddhism, and “Occurrences appear to be in cave temples in China, dated to the Sui dynasty (6th to 7th centuries) The hares have been said to be a hieroglyph of  ‘to be’. In other contexts the metaphor has been given different meaning. For example, Guan Youhui, a retired researcher from the Dunhuang Academy, who spent 50 years studying the decorative patterns in the Mogao Caves, believes the three rabbits — ‘like many images in Chinese folk art that carry auspicious symbolism — represent peace and tranquility.’ The Three Hares appear on 13th century Mongol metalwork, and on a copper coin, found in Iran, dated to 1281. Another appears on an ancient Islamic-made reliquary from southern Russia. Another 13th or early 14th century box, later used as a reliquary, was made in Iran under Mongol rule, and is preserved in the treasury of the Cathedral of Trier in Germany. On its base, the casket has Islamic designs, and originally featured two images of the three hares.”