Supernatural curses and legends: The rabbit’s foot

In Supernatural Season 3, the rabbit’s foot was used as the “monster of the week.” Here’s a look at the lore used on the cursed object and why a rabbit’s foot is considered a lucky item.

Don’t have a rabbit’s foot if you’re in Supernatural. While it may bring good luck at first, that luck will change. When the luck turns sour, it becomes deadly. At least, that’s what happened in “Bad Day at Black Rock.”

The rabbit’s foot has been considered an item of luck for centuries. Just where does the idea of good luck from the item come from and how did the series adapt it?

The creation of the rabbit’s foot in Supernatural

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In the series, the rabbit’s foot was cursed by a woman (presumably a witch) in a cemetery, under the full moon, on Friday the 13th. All these elements are important to make the curse, especially one so deadly.

Bone ash and cayenne pepper are needed to destroy the foot and the curse–and that must happen in a cemetery. Fortunately, Friday the 13th or a full moon isn’t needed, otherwise, Sam and Dean would likely be dead!

Why is a rabbit’s foot considered good luck?

The creation of the lucky (and cursed) rabbit’s foot in the show is linked to real lore, especially African-American hoodoo lore. A rabbit needs to be killed in a cemetery and usually on a Friday–some lore states Friday the 13th but not all. It’s usually the left hind leg that is used, but this wasn’t brought up by Bobby.

Why a rabbit? Well, they were linked with fertility, which was linked to luck. This is certainly the case for the European lore.

Today, you won’t find a real rabbit’s foot in the majority of the world–I won’t say the whole world because there are some awful practices around the world. However, a rabbit’s foot charm is still often used for good luck. It’s the reminder to be courageous and the feeling someone gets when they look at the charm on their keyrings or the feel of it in their pockets.

The idea of curses is linked to curse object lore rather than the actual rabbit lore.

Next: Changeling lore: Supernatural vs. the real lore

Did you know the real lore about the rabbit’s foot? Do you have a fake charm as a reminder of strength and courage? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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