Three hares

The three hares file depicts three jumping hares, which are arranged in a circular shape. A description of this symbol is also found in the memory verse: " The hare and the spoon three, and yet each hare has two ." Three hares joined at the ears so that while each hare has two ears, but the motive manages a total of only three ears.

The three hares picture emerges in different places and in different cultures of the world. Its original meaning is not clear. It is often used as an archetype viewed. A similar form of character association, but with three human heads, the Tricephalus, triceps or triphone dar. general one speaks in such tripartite symmetrical figures of triskel.

Some early painted Easter eggs show the three hares image, suggesting that it could be a symbol of the Trinity. The combination of easter egg and bunny image subsequently led to the development of the character of the Easter Bunny. The rabbit is also considered a symbol of fertility.

A well-known example of a three hares image is located as window tracery ( known as "three hares window " ) in the cloister of the Paderborn Cathedral. The three hares image is also found in Haslocher coat of arms, as well as a capstone in the Weißenburger Peter and Paul Church. In Switzerland, such a representation can be found in the chancel of the church Lauperswil.

The three hares picture was also taken up by modern artists such as Hans Thoma, who designed a three hares plate.