Rabbit on a Headstone: Meaning

Soft, shy and full of life, the rabbit is one of the gentlest images you can choose for a memorial. It speaks of innocence, spring and new beginnings, and it is a favourite for children's stones and for beloved pet rabbits.

What it means

Around the world

In Europe and North America, rabbits and hares are linked with spring and Easter as signs of new life. In Chinese, Korean and Japanese folklore, a rabbit lives on the Moon, pounding the elixir of life or rice cakes — which is why rabbits appear at the Mid-Autumn and Chuseok festivals. The Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac is associated with gentleness and kindness.

Design ideas

• A rabbit in a meadow of spring flowers.
• A sleeping rabbit curled up for a child's stone.
• A rabbit beneath a full moon for East Asian heritage — see moon and stars meaning.
• A portrait of a pet rabbit from a favourite photo.

Who it suits

Babies and children, gentle and shy people, gardeners, those born in the Year of the Rabbit, and owners of pet rabbits. See infant and children's granite memorials and pet memorial stones.

For a pet rabbit

A small granite stone with the rabbit's name, dates and a short line suits a garden or pet cemetery. A laser-etched portrait from a clear photo works well on black granite. See what to write on a pet memorial stone.

Zodiac and heritage

For Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese families, a rabbit can mark the birth year (Vietnamese tradition uses the cat in place of the rabbit). See Chinese headstone traditions and Korean headstone traditions.

Epitaphs to pair

• Gentle as spring.
• Sleep softly, little one.
• Forever in the meadow.
• Some bunny loved you.

Key Takeaways

• Rabbits mean gentleness, innocence and new life.
• They are linked with spring and Easter.
• In East Asian folklore a rabbit lives on the Moon.
• Rabbits suit children's and pet memorials.

Next Step

See lamb headstone meaning and headstone wording for a baby.