I saw this question on another board.
What is the origin of the phrase ‘White Rabbits’? It’s supposed to be said, as I understand, on the first day of each month and should bring you luck for the rest of the month.
Do any other English speaking in countries say it or is it just the UK?
Bizarre - the only first of the month speech I know of is “A pinch and a punch on the first of the month” (as you do those things to the person nearest to you). Then you need to say something like “…and no returns!!!” (so they can’t get you back)…
When would you say “white rabbits”? Do you need to say it to someone else, like a greeting, or can you just mutter it under your breath? Where in the UK is it said?
Embra
I come from the north of England, Manchester.
I’ve always said it. I think it can be either said to others or to yourself.
Born in London (30+ years), live in the Midlands (10+ years).
Never heard of ‘White Rabbits’!
(Is it something to do with Alice in Wonderland?)
Our family used to say it when I was a kid; haven’t heard it much (or say it myself) recently.
BTW,
“A punch and a kick, for being so quick” is the only valid reply after someone has said no returns.
I too grew up in the Manchester area, and we did the white rabbits thing. Actually, our version was (and still is) “Rabbits, rabbits, white haired rabbits”. It has to be the first thing you say - to yourself or anyone else - on the morning of the first of the month, or you don’t get the good luck.
Charley.
Originally from Wales family from Shropshire now in the Midlands, I have heard it in all these places (But some people give blank stares)
An old teacher once said it should only be said if the month has the letter ‘r’ in it.
Born and raised in the UK - but never heard of it. To me, “white rabbit” is from Alice in Wonderland; a song by Jefferson Airplane (derived from Alice); or a brand of milk-flavoured candy made in China (delicious).
More soft Southern shite checking in. I’ve never heard of it, either.
We used to do it when I was a child in Yorkshire, but I thought the rule was that it had to be the first thing you said when you woke up in the morning.
There is White Rabbit milk candy from china http://www.crackseeds.com/whiterabbit.html
New England born and raised. I’ve been told by a friend (born in Midwest, raised in New England) that you’re supposed to say “Rabbit, Rabbit” on the first day of the month (and it has to be the first words out of your mouth when you wake up) and you’ll have good luck for that month. She told me this years ago and last month was the first month that I ever remembered. Today, no “Rabbit, Rabbit” 
New Englander here, and I was taught the “Rabbit, Rabbit” by a friend at college, but she’s from Georgia so I don’t know if she learned it up here or not.
And yes, I said it this morning. I probably remember about half the time.
But do you get lucky months about half the time?
IIRC, a biography of Gilda Radner is titled to reflect this superstition. Some say “bunny, bunny,” some say, “rabbit, rabbit.” Some Jewish kids reportedly say, “Rabbi, Rabbi.” I probably shouldn’t add that frogs say, “ribbit, ribbit” on most days, because they don’t understand calendars.
From oop north here,
You only do the rabbits thing if the month has an ‘r’ in it else its bad luck.
From the Midlands & I agree with casdave - it’s only if the month has an r in it and it’s supposed to be the first thing you say that day, otherwise it doesn’t count. Also, I’ve never heard white rabbits, only rabbits (I assumed that the r went with r for rabbits, but that was just my guess as a child).
I never heard the “pinch & a punch for the first of the month” one until I moved to the south east St. Albans, which is near London) & started teaching.
Born north-west of England. Never heard the expression until my uni. days, at which time various people introduced me to the tradition, but they hailed from all over the UK. No real pattern to it!
I grew up in Berkshire and have said “White Rabbits” all my life. Well, when I remember. It doesn’t matter what month it is, but it has to be the first thing you say otherwise it doesn’t count.
The phrase has been around for a while - but with what seems to be lost variation now. From This site:
Apparently there was/is a White Rabbit Cult which might have something to do with it. Or the guy might be a nutjob.
White rabbits were once believed to be witches - My WAG is that it was a way of warding off witches or covertly asking their favour. From that site:
.
The Guardian’s Notes and Queries wasn’t very helpful, with only this offered as a suggestion (and with no back-up):
So now, after half an hour researching, I haven’t found a single definite claim. I’m really curious now.
Incidentally, I always had the other rhyme as:
First Child Eager To Inflict Pain: Pinch, punch, first of the month.
Second CETIP: Pinch and a kick for being so quick.
FCETIP: Pinch and a slap for answering back.
I love children.
My mother is from the Devon/Cornwall border and she would just say “rabbits” and do the whole punch, pinch, kick thing.