Dreaming of Rabbits – Unlock the Meaning

Ever woken up with the fleeting image of a rabbit hopping through your mind, leaving you wondering why this furry creature paid a visit to your dreamscape? You’re certainly not alone. Dreaming of rabbits or bunnies is surprisingly common, often leaving dreamers feeling a mix of curiosity, confusion, or even a touch of anxiety. These small, often unassuming animals carry a surprisingly hefty weight of symbolism, appearing in our subconscious narratives packed with contradictions.

Rabbits can represent everything from incredible luck, abundant fertility, and wide-eyed innocence to deep-seated fear, raw vulnerability, unbridled lust, and even clever trickery. This inherent duality is precisely what makes them such fascinating and potent dream symbols. Understanding these layers isn’t just about deciphering a quirky nighttime vision; it can be a key to unlocking profound insights into our waking lives, emotions, and the hidden corners of our psyche.

This exploration will delve into the rich tapestry of meanings behind dreaming of rabbits. We’ll journey through ancient cultural beliefs, examine psychological interpretations, decode common dream scenarios, and ultimately, empower the dreamer to connect with the deeply personal message their subconscious is sending. The very prevalence and contradictory nature of rabbit symbolism across global cultures and psychological frameworks suggest that the subconscious often selects this particular symbol when grappling with complex, multifaceted issues. Research consistently shows rabbits appearing in dreams, art, and literature with an astonishing variety of meanings, often pulling in opposite directions – innocence versus lust, luck versus fear. Dream theories propose that our sleeping minds use symbols to process intricate emotions, desires, or conflicts bubbling beneath the surface of our daily lives. Therefore, a symbol like the rabbit, inherently loaded with duality, becomes an efficient shorthand for the subconscious to represent internal conflicts, paradoxical situations, or aspects of the self that contain opposing qualities. The dream isn’t merely about a rabbit; the rabbit acts as a powerful vehicle for exploring these deeper, often tangled, personal complexities.

Ancient Whispers & Cultural Echoes: Rabbits in Myth and Folklore

Dream symbols rarely appear in a vacuum; they often carry the resonant echoes of ancient myths, folklore, and deeply ingrained cultural beliefs, adding layers of potential meaning to our personal interpretations. The rabbit is a quintessential example, its image intricately woven into the fabric of global storytelling and symbolism for centuries.

Perhaps the most universal association is the rabbit’s powerful link to fertility, abundance, and new life. Renowned for their prolific breeding habits, rabbits naturally became symbols of growth, prosperity, and the exciting potential for new beginnings. Dreaming of a rabbit, therefore, often connects to these themes – perhaps hinting at the start of a creative project, personal development, literal fertility, or a general sense of life blossoming. This aligns perfectly with their association with springtime and renewal. In classical antiquity, the hare (often symbolically interchangeable with the rabbit) was linked to Aphrodite and Venus, goddesses of love, further cementing its connection to life-giving energy and desire.

Another widespread connection is the rabbit’s tie to the moon. Across diverse cultures, from ancient Egypt and Mayan traditions to East Asia, rabbits and hares are seen as lunar creatures. The famous “Moon Rabbit” myth, variations of which appear in China, Japan, and Korea, depicts a rabbit living on the moon, often pounding the elixir of immortality or rice cakes (mochi). This lunar association imbues the rabbit with symbolism related to cycles (like the moon’s phases), intuition, hidden knowledge, magic, and the mystical aspects of life and rebirth.

Beyond fertility and mysticism, rabbits are frequently seen as harbingers of luck and good fortune. Ancient Egyptians considered them lucky animals bringing prosperity. In Chinese culture, they symbolize longevity and good fortune alongside fertility. This positive association persists in general folklore, with the rabbit’s foot carried as a lucky charm in many parts of the world. Some dream interpretations even suggest that nearly any dream featuring a rabbit is inherently fortunate or positive.

However, the rabbit isn’t always portrayed as simply lucky or fertile. It also embodies the Trickster archetype. In Native American folklore (like the tales of Br’er Rabbit) and African stories, the rabbit or hare is a clever, cunning figure who uses wit and strategy to outsmart more powerful adversaries and navigate complex situations. Dreaming of a trickster rabbit might relate to themes of intelligence triumphing over brute force, the need for adaptability, navigating social complexities, or perhaps even a mischievous aspect of the dreamer’s own personality.

The rabbit’s symbolism also extends into various spiritual and religious contexts:

• Christianity: Rabbits can symbolize rebirth and resurrection, particularly through their association with Easter. They sometimes appear with the Virgin Mary, signifying purity or the overcoming of temptation. However, they also carry negative biblical connotations as unclean animals or symbols of unbridled lust. The intriguing “Three Hares” motif found in some churches, depicting three hares sharing ears in a circle, has been interpreted as symbolizing the Holy Trinity or unity.
• Paganism: Hares, in particular, are strongly linked to pre-Christian European traditions. They are associated with the spring equinox festival of Ostara (named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, who supposedly had a hare companion). Hares were also connected with magic, shapeshifting (beliefs that witches could turn into hares), and the cycles of nature.
• Buddhism: A significant Buddhist tale tells of a selfless rabbit who offered its own body as food to a hungry deity disguised as an old man. This act cemented the rabbit as a symbol of ultimate self-sacrifice, humility, and compassion.
• Other Traditions: In Shamanism, rabbits can represent intuition, transformation, and journeys into the unknown. In the Chinese Zodiac, those born in the Year of the Rabbit are often seen as gentle, kind, responsible, and peace-loving.

It’s worth noting the subtle distinction between hares and rabbits in symbolism, though the terms are often used interchangeably in folklore and dream interpretation. Historically, hares tend to carry stronger associations with wildness, magic, lunar deities, ancient pagan beliefs, and unquenchable desire (being sacred to Aphrodite). Rabbits, having been domesticated earlier and featuring in biblical contexts, might lean more towards symbolism related to domesticity, innocence (as in children’s literature), or even negative connotations like lust. While this distinction adds historical depth, for a modern dreamer, their personal connection to the image seen (whether they perceive it as a wild hare or a pet bunny) might be more crucial than strict historical accuracy.

These diverse and ancient cultural associations function like a vast “library” of potential meanings residing within the collective unconscious, a concept explored by psychologist Carl Jung. When the subconscious constructs a dream, it doesn’t invent the symbolism of a rabbit from scratch; rather, it draws upon this rich, pre-existing repository of human experience and storytelling. The specific cultural facet that seems highlighted in the dream – for example, a rabbit dwelling on the moon versus a rabbit being hunted – can offer valuable clues about which aspect of this collective symbolism is most resonant with the dreamer’s current psychological state, cultural background, or the specific type of energy (like trickster energy versus fertility energy) the rabbit represents within that particular dream narrative.

Down the Rabbit Hole: Psychological Interpretations

Moving from the echoes of history and culture, we now venture into the psychological landscape where dreams unfold. From a psychological perspective, dreams are seen as reflections of our inner world, a way our minds process emotions, grapple with desires, resolve conflicts, and make sense of our daily experiences. The rabbit, with its multifaceted nature, readily lends itself to various psychological interpretations.

One common psychological meaning stems from the rabbit’s status as a prey animal. In dreams, this can symbolize the dreamer’s own feelings of innocence, vulnerability, fragility, or fear. Seeing a rabbit might represent a longing for a simpler, more innocent time, or highlight feelings of being overwhelmed, threatened, or exposed in waking life. Rabbits can embody timidity and nervousness, suggesting the dream might be urging the dreamer to confront anxieties or seek protection.

Conversely, the rabbit’s notable quickness, agility, and adaptability offer another symbolic avenue. Dreaming of a swift rabbit might suggest a need for quick thinking, decisive action, or the ability to pivot rapidly in a current situation. It can represent resourcefulness, the ability to navigate challenges with grace, or the seizing of fleeting opportunities.

The rabbit’s association with fertility also finds its way into psychological interpretation, often touching upon sexuality and instinctual drives. While culturally linked to abundance and new life, this can sometimes translate into interpretations involving sexual desire. Historically, particularly in religious art, this was sometimes viewed negatively as uncontrolled lust or wantonness. Dreaming of rabbits might therefore touch upon the dreamer’s relationship with their own instincts, desires, or dynamics within their intimate relationships.

Delving deeper through the Jungian lens, the rabbit emerges as a powerful figure embodying several key archetypes – universal patterns of behavior and imagery residing in the collective unconscious.

• The Guide (Psychopomp): Perhaps the most famous example is the White Rabbit in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This figure acts as a guide, leading the protagonist (and by extension, the dreamer) down the rabbit hole into the unfamiliar territory of the unconscious. Similarly, the giant invisible rabbit in the play Harvey serves as a companion who challenges conventional reality. Dreaming of following a rabbit can symbolize the beginning of a transformative journey, an exploration of the inner self, or the pursuit of hidden knowledge.
• The Trickster: As seen in folklore, the rabbit archetype can represent mischief, chaos, and the challenging of established norms. A trickster rabbit in a dream might point to a need for cleverness, a playful disruption of routine, or confronting situations where intelligence overcomes power.
• Mercurius: In Jungian alchemy, Mercurius is the elusive, transformative spirit that connects different realms – conscious and unconscious, mortal and immortal. The rabbit, known for its ability to appear and disappear quickly, especially at liminal times like dawn and dusk, embodies this mercurial quality. It represents the quicksilver nature of the psyche and the potential for integrating opposing aspects of the self.
• The Shadow: Jung’s concept of the “shadow” encompasses the repressed, hidden, and often undesirable aspects of our personality. Black rabbits, in particular, are sometimes interpreted as symbols of the shadow in dreams. Encountering a black rabbit might signify a call from the unconscious to acknowledge and integrate these darker, denied parts of the self to achieve greater psychological balance.
• Inferior Functions: Jungian typology describes dominant and inferior psychological functions (like thinking, feeling, sensation, intuition). A dream where a rabbit is running away might symbolize an “inferior” or less developed function that is receding into the unconscious and requires conscious attention and integration. For example, for a highly rational person, a fleeing rabbit might represent neglected feeling or intuition.

Beyond representing specific traits or archetypes, the very appearance of a rabbit in a dream, especially one that seems to invite pursuit or curiosity like Alice’s White Rabbit, often functions as a psychological “call to adventure.” It can be seen as an invitation from the unconscious mind to embark on a journey of inner exploration, to delve into hidden depths, confront buried fears, or embrace personal transformation. This interpretation is strongly supported by iconic literary examples where following the rabbit explicitly marks the beginning of a descent into the unknown and often bewildering world of the unconscious. Jungian perspectives reinforce this, highlighting the rabbit’s role as a guide (psychopomp) or its connection to Mercurius, the bridger of realms. The phrase “following the white rabbit” has even permeated popular culture as a metaphor for choosing a path of discovery that fundamentally alters one’s perception of reality. Therefore, the dreamer’s response to the rabbit in the dream – whether they follow it, ignore it, feel fear, or curiosity – becomes highly significant, revealing their readiness (or resistance) to engage with this inner work and heed the call from their own psyche.

Decoding Your Dream: Common Rabbit Scenarios

While understanding the broad cultural and psychological symbolism of rabbits provides a valuable foundation, the true key to unlocking a specific dream’s message lies in its details. The context in which the rabbit appears, its color, its actions, its condition, and the dreamer’s interactions with it can drastically shift the interpretation. Let’s explore some common scenarios when dreaming of rabbits and their potential meanings.

The Color of the Rabbit:

• White Rabbit: This is perhaps the most iconic dream image, often carrying positive connotations. A white rabbit frequently symbolizes luck, faithfulness in love (for both single and married individuals), innocence, purity, spiritual guidance, blessings, answered prayers, and the potential for new beginnings. It can act as a guide leading the dreamer in the right direction or toward a specific goal. However, echoing the Alice in Wonderland theme, a white rabbit can also represent an elusive goal, something intriguing that is chased but never quite caught, perhaps symbolizing an aspect of innocence or an ideal that feels just out of reach. Its appearance can signify the start of a journey into the unknown, demanding curiosity and perhaps a leap of faith.
• Black Rabbit: Often interpreted with more caution, the black rabbit is frequently linked to negative feelings or challenging aspects of the psyche. It can represent fear, particularly fear of intimacy or connection, anxiety, disappointment, or the emergence of the “shadow self” – those repressed or denied parts of one’s personality. Dreaming of a black rabbit might suggest a need to confront these inner “demons,” hidden fears, or obstacles in waking life. It can also symbolize silence or witchcraft in some traditions. However, its meaning isn’t universally negative; black can also represent the unknown, the deep unconscious, mystery, or even hold connotations of death and rebirth in certain cultural contexts.
• Other Colors (Brown, Grey, Spotted, etc.): Rabbits appearing in their natural camouflage colors might relate more to themes of earthiness, grounding, natural instincts, or perhaps a desire to blend in or remain unnoticed. The interpretation here depends heavily on the dream’s overall context and the dreamer’s personal associations with these colors.

Rabbit Actions & Interactions:

• Hopping Joyfully / Frolicking: This is generally a very positive sign, representing happiness, contentment, freedom, a positive outlook on life, and pure joy. Seeing rabbits frolicking can sometimes specifically denote that children will contribute to the dreamer’s joy.
• Running Away / Being Chased: If a rabbit is running away, it might symbolize a desire to escape a situation, potentially driven by fear or anxiety. It could also represent goals, blessings, luck, or opportunities that feel like they are slipping away, requiring pursuit. From a Jungian perspective, a fleeing rabbit might represent an underdeveloped psychological function receding into the unconscious. If the dreamer is chasing the rabbit, it often points towards the pursuit of an elusive desire, goal, or perhaps an aspect of oneself (like innocence) that feels lost. The Japanese proverb “Those that chase two rabbits catch neither” serves as a potential warning against divided attention or overstretching oneself if multiple rabbits are being pursued.
• Attacking / Biting / Scratching: This scenario starkly contrasts the rabbit’s typical image of gentleness. An attacking rabbit often suggests that repressed emotions, particularly anger or sexual feelings, are surfacing in an aggressive or uncontrolled way. It can indicate feeling threatened by something or someone in waking life, perhaps by something that initially seemed harmless. Such a dream might be a warning sign that a personal relationship or a particular path needs closer attention or is heading in a problematic direction. If the rabbit bites, it might imply that the situation is causing emotional pain or that the dreamer needs to pay more attention to their love life.
• Talking Rabbit: When animals speak in dreams, it often signifies that the unconscious mind or intuition is trying to deliver an important message. Close attention should be paid to the content of what the rabbit says, as it likely holds significant meaning for the dreamer.

State and Number of Rabbits:

• Many Rabbits / Multiplying Rabbits: Seeing a multitude of rabbits strongly amplifies the symbolism of fertility, abundance, growth, and potentially a wealth of opportunities or new ideas. However, this image can also represent feeling overwhelmed by too many options, responsibilities, or even fears and anxieties that seem to be multiplying uncontrollably. One recurring dream involves losing one rabbit only to find hundreds, suggesting anxieties about proliferation or losing control.
• Dead Rabbit: Dreaming of a dead rabbit can be unsettling and often symbolizes endings – the end of a phase, a relationship, a project, or perhaps the loss of innocence or vitality. It might point towards neglected potential, aspects of the self that have been allowed to “die,” blocked opportunities, or a failure to nurture one’s own needs. Seeing dead animals in dreams can generally indicate rejected instinctual urges or feelings. It’s important to distinguish this symbolic meaning from historical references like the “Dead Rabbits” gang of th-century New York, which is unlikely to be relevant unless the dreamer has specific knowledge or interest in that history.
• Injured / Sick Rabbit: Similar to a dead rabbit, but perhaps less final. An injured or sick rabbit highlights vulnerability, fragility, and the need for care and attention. It might represent a part of the dreamer’s life or psyche that is damaged but potentially recoverable if tended to.
• Neglected Rabbit (e.g., forgotten pet): This is a surprisingly common and psychologically significant dream theme. It almost invariably points towards the dreamer neglecting important aspects of themselves. This could be the “inner child,” basic needs for comfort, sleep, and nourishment, personal potential, creative projects, or responsibilities that have been forgotten or ignored. Feelings of guilt, anxiety, and a frantic need to care for the rabbit upon remembering it are typical within the dream. Interestingly, the rabbits in these dreams often survive despite the neglect, suggesting the resilience of these ignored parts of the self.

The specific action (like running or attacking) or the state (like being dead, neglected, or part of a multitude) of the rabbit within the dream narrative often serves as the crucial differentiator in its meaning. This focus moves the interpretation beyond general symbolism to the specific psychological dynamic the dream is attempting to highlight. While any rabbit might broadly symbolize fertility or vulnerability, an attacking rabbit specifically points towards underlying conflict or aggression, whereas a neglected rabbit strongly suggests issues around self-care or ignored potential. Dreams communicate through stories and actions, not just static images. The research provides clearly distinct interpretations based on the rabbit’s color, condition, and behavior. The emotional tone of the dream often shifts dramatically depending on what the rabbit is doing – joy accompanies frolicking rabbits, fear arises with attacking rabbits, and guilt permeates dreams of neglected rabbits. Therefore, paying close attention to what the rabbit is doing and its condition is essential for pinpointing the specific message or conflict the subconscious is presenting, allowing for a more precise understanding than relying on broad associations alone.

Making It Personal: Your Dream, Your Meaning

While exploring the vast ocean of common cultural and psychological symbolism offers valuable context, the anchor for any dream interpretation must ultimately be the dreamer’s own unique reality. The most resonant and accurate meaning is the one that connects deeply with the individual’s personal life, feelings, experiences, and associations. Relying solely on generic dream dictionaries can lead one astray, as symbols are filtered through a personal lens.

The first step in personalizing the interpretation is to connect the dream to waking life. Reflect on current circumstances: What challenges are being faced? What relationships are prominent? What hopes, fears, or anxieties are simmering beneath the surface? How does the imagery or narrative of the rabbit dream resonate with these ongoing life themes? Dreams rarely happen in isolation; they often reflect, comment on, or compensate for waking life situations.

Crucially, pay attention to the power of emotion felt during the dream. Whether it was fear, joy, curiosity, anxiety, guilt, or something else entirely, these feelings are direct conduits to the dream’s significance. The emotional charge of the dream often reveals the underlying importance and the area of life the dream is touching upon. How did seeing the rabbit make the dreamer feel?

Equally vital are personal associations. What does a rabbit mean specifically to the dreamer? Perhaps there was a beloved childhood pet rabbit, imparting feelings of comfort and nostalgia. Or maybe a frightening encounter with a wild rabbit left an impression of unpredictability. Cultural background might foreground certain meanings (like the Moon Rabbit for someone with East Asian heritage). These unique, personal links are indispensable threads in weaving the final interpretation.

To capture these fleeting details and facilitate deeper reflection, dream journaling is highly recommended. Keeping a notebook by the bedside and writing down everything remembered immediately upon waking – symbols, plot points, colors, dialogues, and especially feelings – creates a rich record. Over time, journaling helps identify recurring themes, patterns, and symbols, offering clearer insights into the subconscious dialogue.

To further guide this personal reflection, consider these questions tailored to common elements when dreaming of rabbits:

Dreaming of Rabbits Decoded: A Personal Reflection Guide

Dream Element	Common Symbolism	Questions to Ask Yourself
White Rabbit	Innocence, Luck, Guidance, Purity, Faithfulness, Elusive Goal, Journey Initiation	What am I currently pursuing or being guided towards? Am I trusting my intuition? What feels pure, hopeful, or requires a leap of faith in my life? Is there a goal I feel I can’t quite reach?
Black Rabbit	Fear, Shadow Self, Repressed Aspects, Intimacy Issues, The Unknown, Mystery	What fears am I avoiding, especially concerning connection or vulnerability? What hidden parts of myself might need acknowledgment? What feels mysterious, unsettling, or taboo in my life?
Running/Chasing Rabbit	Goals, Escape, Agility, Avoidance, Pursuit, Elusive Desire, Divided Focus	What am I running towards or away from? Do I need to act quickly, or am I rushing/avoiding something? What am I relentlessly pursuing? Am I trying to do too many things at once?
Many Rabbits	Abundance, Fertility, Growth, Opportunities, Ideas, Feeling Overwhelmed	Where is growth (or chaos) multiplying in my life? Do I feel blessed with abundance or burdened by too many options/responsibilities? Are creative ideas flourishing or overwhelming me?
Attacking Rabbit	Repressed Anger/Sexuality, Feeling Threatened, Inner Conflict, Hidden Danger	What inner feelings (like anger, desire, frustration) might be surfacing aggressively? Where do I feel vulnerable or attacked? Is a situation I thought was safe revealing hidden dangers?
Dead/Neglected Rabbit	Neglected Self/Potential, Endings, Loss of Innocence, Need for Care, Guilt	What parts of myself, my relationships, or my life am I ignoring or letting wither? What needs to come to an end? Am I adequately caring for my own basic needs (physical, emotional)? What potential feels lost or wasted?

Ultimately, dreams, especially those that are recurring or carry a strong emotional weight, can be understood as personalized feedback loops originating from the unconscious mind. They serve to highlight imbalances, neglected areas, unresolved issues, or potentials within our waking lives. Psychological theories suggest dreams compensate for our conscious attitudes, bringing repressed material or alternative perspectives to light. Recurring dreams, like the common one about neglecting pets, often point directly to unresolved issues demanding attention. The goal of engaging with these dreams isn’t merely intellectual understanding of symbols, but rather receiving and potentially acting upon this internal feedback for personal growth, healing, and enhanced well-being. Viewing rabbit dreams (or any significant dream) not as isolated, random events but as part of an ongoing, internal dialogue transforms interpretation from a passive puzzle into an active, dynamic tool for self-awareness and potential change. The dream provides the feedback; the dreamer’s conscious reflection and subsequent actions complete the loop, fostering integration and growth.

Conclusion: Embracing the Wisdom of the Rabbit

The rabbit, hopping silently through the landscapes of our dreams, is far more than just a simple image. It is a complex and multifaceted symbol, capable of representing a vast spectrum of human experience. From the life-affirming energies of fertility, luck, and new beginnings, to the unsettling shadows of fear, vulnerability, and repressed instincts, and the intriguing paths of guidance, trickery, and transformation – the rabbit contains multitudes.

While cultural myths and psychological theories offer invaluable maps for navigating this symbolic territory, the final destination of meaning lies within the dreamer themselves. Personal context, waking life situations, deeply felt emotions, and unique individual associations are the ultimate keys to unlocking the specific message that the rabbit carries in any particular dream. Trusting one’s intuition in this process is paramount.

Paying attention to our dreams, even the ones that seem confusing or contradictory, is a worthwhile endeavor. It is a pathway to greater self-discovery, a method for processing complex emotions, and a way to tap into the deeper wisdom that resides within our own subconscious. Approaching these nightly narratives with curiosity rather than dismissal can yield profound insights.

So, the next time a rabbit hops into your dreams, whether it’s white and guiding, black and mysterious, joyfully frolicking, or anxiously fleeing, greet it with openness. It might just be leading you somewhere important, down a rabbit hole towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dreaming of Rabbits

Question 1: Do rabbits actually dream?

A: Yes, scientific evidence suggests rabbits, like other mammals, experience REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the stage associated with dreaming. While we can’t know exactly what they dream about, observations of twitching paws, noses, or ears during sleep suggest they do have dream experiences, possibly related to their daily activities, environment, or concerns. Rabbits are naturally crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) and may sleep deeply with eyes closed when feeling secure, or lightly with eyes open to remain alert.

Question 2: Is dreaming of rabbits always good luck?

A: Rabbits are very often associated with positive themes like luck, fertility, abundance, and success in dreams. Many interpretations lean towards a generally fortunate meaning. However, the context and details are crucial. Dreaming of black rabbits, dead or injured rabbits, neglected rabbits, or being attacked by a rabbit can signify challenges, fears, anxieties, neglected aspects of the self, or repressed emotions.

Question 3: What does the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland mean in a dream?

A: The White Rabbit is a powerful archetype often appearing in dreams. Its symbolism typically revolves around acting as a guide leading the dreamer into the unknown, sparking curiosity, or initiating a journey of self-discovery (often into the unconscious). It can also represent anxiety about time (“I’m late!”) or the pursuit of an elusive goal or piece of knowledge. Following the White Rabbit in a dream often signifies the dreamer’s willingness to engage with these themes.

Question 4: Why do I keep dreaming about neglecting rabbits I’m supposed to care for?

A: This is a remarkably common dream theme. It strongly suggests that the dreamer is neglecting important aspects of their own life or self. This could relate to basic self-care (like rest, nutrition, emotional needs), personal potential, creative projects, responsibilities, or even the needs of their “inner child”. The feelings of guilt and anxiety within the dream are key indicators of this perceived neglect. The fact that the rabbits often survive despite the neglect can symbolize the resilience of these ignored parts.