Cutting of the Hare

Hares often hide in cornfields till the last reaping. The last sheaf is often called “the hare,” and its cutting called “killing the hare,” “cutting the hare,” or “cutting the hare’s tail off.” In some places the reapers would all stand around and throw their sickles at the “hare.” In many European countries there are traditions surrounding this “cutting of the hare” ritual.

Source: The Dancing Hare.

Image: “Hare Asleep in the Cornfield” by Hannah Giffard.