Why does this odd symbol appear in everywhere, from churches in England to caves in China?

An enigmatic trio of rabbits running in a circle appears on centuries of art, from medieval churches in England to Buddhist caves in China. While each bunny seems to have two ears, the symbol is actually a visual puzzle: a total of three ears connects them in their endless loop. Some believe the rabbits symbolize eternity; others think they stand for fertility. Still others consider them a representation of the connection between the heavens and the Earth. The original meaning of the three hares motif remains obscure, but its cross-cultural significance inspired three researchers to spend over two decades traveling the world to unravel some of its arcane history. The mystery was explored in a book by Skerryvore Productions, “The Three Hares: A Curiosity Worth Regarding” by archaeologist Tom Greeves, art historian Sue Andrew, and photographer Chris Chapman. All three are based in Devon, England, where there are 17 churches with three hares on their oak bosses (roundels often found on the ceiling). The book evolved from the group’s Three Hares Project, and includes thorough essays by Andrew and Greeves alongside Chapman’s images, chronicling their trek to trace the evolution of the symbol. Read more in the article by Allison Meier through our link in bio. . . . #ThreeHares #Symbol #Architecture #ArtHistory