A Rabbit in the Moon?

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A Rabbit in the Moon?

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Rabbit in the moon, Aztec legend, from Florentine Codex

A Rabbit in the Moon?

Can you see a rabbit in the moon? You can if you look carefully! (Written/compiled by Ian Mursell/Mexicolore)

Rabbit in the Moon, Adler Planetarium

Rabbit in the Moon, Adler Planetarium (Click on image to enlarge)

The Aztecs had a legend to explain it (see a lovely version on our Aztec Stories page). A very short version in the Florentine Codex (right) reads: “The myth of the rabbit in the moon goes as follows: The gods, they say, were teasing the moon and flung a rabbit in its face. And the rabbit remained marked on the moon’s face. That is what darkened the face of the moon, as though it had been bruised. Upon which the moon went out to light the world.”

‘The Creation of the Moon’

Here's what others have said:

8 At 8.30am on Tuesday September 8 2020, Diana wrote:

Martin is correct. The graphic of the rabbit is wrong. I know because I am the one who made it. It was never intended for publication, but after I left the Adler Planetarium, they put it up in ignorance. Please use something else, it’s painful to look at.

Mexicolore replies: We’re sorry it’s so painful. We’re happy to change it, but please tell us first, why/in what way is it ‘wrong’?

7 At 5.14pm on Monday June 11 2018, Charles wrote:

Most cultures have a rabbit in the moon story. Tsuki no usagi which means Moon Rabbit in Japanese.Jade Rabbit in Chinese Buddhist folklore.....etc

6 At 9.35am on Monday March 28 2016, Jessica Zegri wrote:

This is a legend in Japanese Folklore as well.

Mexicolore replies: Thanks for adding this interesting detail, Jessica.

5 At 6.46pm on Saturday October 11 2014, Yvonne wrote:

I have heard the story diffrent. From my grandma, said told it like this; a long time ago a God, then living on Earth as a man, started on a journey and, after walking for a long time, became hungry and tired. With no food or water around, he thought he would die. Then a rabbit grazing nearby offered herself as food to save his life. the man (God), moved by the rabbit’s noble offering, elevated her to the Moon, then lowered her back to Earth and told her, “You may be just a rabbit, but everyone will remember you; there is your image in light, for all people and for all times.”

4 At 12.12am on Tuesday October 22 2013, Sneaky ninja wrote:

Sneaky ninja says wow that is great

3 At 7.58pm on Saturday June 8 2013, Judy King wrote:

I’m finishing a non-fiction book about living in Mexico. One of the chapters in the last section is about the rabbit in the moon. I’ve only used one other illustration in the book -- a drawing of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Could I have permission to use your photo of the moon with the rabbit marked on it? Do you have that graphic in a larger size?

Mexicolore replies: We’d love to help, but this isn’t our image. Many years ago we got permission to use it on our website from the Adler Planetarium in Chicago and you’ll really need to approach them directly for third party permission. Good luck!

2 At 8.15am on Tuesday October 13 2009, jack wrote:

its amazing

1 At 12.12am on Wednesday June 24 2009, Martin wrote:

thats not the rabbit on the moon. aztec legend is a scared rabbit. I have a better picture of it and its looks like a real rabbit.