The Three Hares
‘The Mystery of the Three Hares”! Three hares chase each other in a circle; there are only three ears as each is shared between two hares. This is a truly ancient symbol, found in churches throughout England & Europe, usually as a roof boss. It is also found in and on much older structures from Asia to the Middle East. The earliest known appearance of this motif is in the Mogao caves near Dunhuang, China, which were created during the Sui to Tang dynasties (581-907 AD.) The motif seems to have been important in the world's major faiths, spanning thousands of miles and at least 1,500 years, but no one knows why. Hares are believed to have divine, magical and mystical associations and were sacred to many ancient religions. In Christian architecture the hares may have symbolized the Trinity. The design is similar to the Celtic ‘triskele’.
The secret is not great when one knows it.
But it is something to one who does it.
Turn and turn again and we will also turn,
So that we give pleasure to each of you.
And when we have turned, count our ears,
It is there, without any disguise, you will find a marvel.
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