The Curious Tradition of Saying 'White Rabbits' on the First of the Month

A Tradition Rooted in Luck

Saying "white rabbits" on the first day of the month is believed to bring good fortune for the weeks ahead. However, the exact origins of this phrase remain uncertain. One of the earliest references appears in the 1909 book Notes and Queries, where it was noted that children would say "rabbits" as their first word on the first day of the month, hoping to secure luck.

Another theory suggests that the tradition became popular during World War II. According to this account, Royal Air Force (RAF) bomber crews would say "white rabbits" upon waking as a protective charm before their missions.

But why rabbits? Rabbits, particularly their feet, have long been associated with good luck, although the roots of this superstition are also unclear. Some believe the animals are seen as symbols of fertility, springtime, and renewal, which could explain their connection to positive fortune.

Other First-of-the-Month Sayings

"White rabbits" isn't the only phrase people use to mark the first day of a new month. Another common saying is, "a pinch and a punch, first of the month," often accompanied by a playful pinch and punch to the arm. Like "white rabbits," the origins of this phrase are murky, but several theories exist.

One theory ties the phrase to medieval beliefs about witches. It is suggested that people would pinch salt, thought to weaken witches, and then punch them to ward them off. Another theory credits the saying to U.S. President George Washington, who supposedly gave fruit punch with a pinch of salt to Native American tribes on the first of the month. However, there is no solid evidence to support these claims.

A Persistent Tradition

Despite the uncertain origins of these phrases, they have endured across generations. Whether it’s for a sense of fun or a hope for luck, "white rabbits" and other first-of-the-month sayings continue to bring a lighthearted moment to the start of each new month.

While the history behind these expressions may never be fully uncovered, the traditions they inspire are a charming reminder of the small rituals people hold onto, helping to mark time with a bit of whimsy.