origami bunny

Bunnies hold many symbolic meanings across different cultures. In Europe, they represent renewal and fruitfulness. In the US they symbolize good luck, self improvement, cleverness and devotion. In Korea, the bunnies are known as a symbolism for fertility, longevity, prosperity and an abundance of life.

 

In Korea, it is told that the fullest and brightest moon comes along Cheosuk day which symbolizes prosperity. If you ever looked at the full moon that day, you might have noticed a shape of a bunny pounding rice cakes surrounded by smoke. Many countries have their ideas of what this means, but one of the folklores in Korea goes like this:

 

There once was a village with a monkey, a fox and a rabbit who often played together. One day, an emperor from the heavens came down and decided to test these animal’s loyalty to him. He pretended he was a beggar and asked them to bring him food. The animals generously went off to gather food for him. The fox came back with fish and the monkey with fruit. The bunny- with his limited physical capabilities, only came back with grass. Ashamed of his offering, he ignited the grass on fire and sacrificed himself as food. The emperor was so touched by the bunny’s action that he placed the bunny on the moon to become its guardian. Surrounded by smoke as a reminder to the world of his noble death. Thus, the legend of “The Rabbit of the Moon” was born and it’s story would be told to the world for centuries to come.

 

When it comes to origami jewelry, there are several symbolism that come from this touching folklore. For one, the rabbit in itself is a symbol for fertility. Also, the smoke that surrounds the bunny is said to come from a tree called gyesu. Gyesu is known for being sturdy and its longevity of life. The bunny is also seen making rice cake which is a staple in Korean homes which represents an abundance of life.