Why were people afraid of rabbits after dark? | Painting British Folklore

Did you know rabbits and hares were once believed to be far more than ordinary animals? According to British folklore, they were linked with witches, ghosts, ancient superstition and even the moon. But why did one familiar creature become one of Britain's greatest supernatural mysteries? 🖼️ Prints & stickers inspired by this artwork: https://curiousbunnyart.com/ About this episode In this episode of Curious Bunny, we explore the strange folklore of rabbits and hares while I create an original traditional ink and watercolour illustration inspired by these centuries-old legends. Although we often think of rabbits and hares as almost the same animal today, it was the hare that became one of the most mysterious creatures in British folklore. From witches taking its shape to ghostly white hares haunting lonely roads, ancient battlefield omens and moonlit superstition, these stories have been told across Britain for centuries. What I love most about this folklore is how it completely changes the way you see an ordinary animal. The next time you spot a hare—or even a rabbit—at the edge of a field, you might find yourself wondering if there's a little more to the story than meets the eye. Together we'll discover: 📜 Why people once believed hares were sacred animals in ancient Britain 👻 The eerie folklore linking hares to witches, ghosts and shapeshifting 🌿 Why seeing a hare cross your path could change your fate 🏰 The strange stories of Boudica, phantom hares and haunted castles 🌙 How rabbits and hares became connected with the moon, spring and good fortune 🎨 How these stories inspired today's painting So grab a cup of tea, get cosy, and join me for another quiet journey into Britain's forgotten folklore. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Hare or Rabbit? 03:43 A Sacred Animal 05:06 The Witch's Disguise 09:27 Ghostly Hares 12:47 Between Worlds 14:07 The Moon 15:10 Spring & Superstition 17:24 Painting Reveal 17:37 Outro 🎨 Own this artwork Prints & Stickers → https://curiousbunnyart.com/ Curious Bunny is a series exploring forgotten stories from British folklore through traditional ink and watercolour illustration. 📖 Watch next ➡️ Why did travellers once fear light in the darkness?    • Why did travelers once fear light in the d...   Join the community If you enjoy cosy storytelling, forgotten folklore and traditional illustration, I'd love to have you along for the journey. Please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and let me know in the comments: Do you often see hares or rabbits in the wild? And if you'd grown up hearing these old stories, do you think you'd have followed them... or quietly turned around and gone home? Thank you so much for watching 🖤 🛒My materials: Affliate links (I earn a small commission with no extra cost to you): Fineliner pens: https://amzn.to/4w2JGl0 Fude ink pen: https://amzn.to/4pcu23G Watercolour set: https://amzn.to/4voQTui Watercolour brushes: https://amzn.to/4pkKJtZ Mixed Media paper: https://amzn.to/4psZWcq Paper trimmer: https://amzn.to/4ydVwKB Koala sticker paper: https://amzn.to/4wDDRtVK Desk phone holder: https://amzn.to/4fcxxnv 🎵 Music: https://pixabay.com/users/tomomi_kato... Hashtags #RabbitFolklore #HareFolklore #BritishFolklore #EnglishFolklore #Folklore