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A research team led by a British archaeologist is to travel to China in search of the origins and meaning of a mysterious ancient symbol identified in sacred sites across Britain, Europe, and the Middle and Far East.
Striking depictions of three hares joined at the ears have been found in roof bosses of medieval parish churches in Devon, 13th century Mongol metal work from Iran and cave temples from the Chinese Sui dynasty of 589-618.
Academics are intrigued at the motif's apparent prominence in Christian, Islamic and Buddhist holy contexts separated by 5,000 miles and almost 1,000 years.
The first known literary reference is from A Survey of the Cathedral of St Davids published in 1717 by Browne Willis. It says: "In one key stone near the west end are three rabbits plac'd triangularly, with the backsides of their heads turn'd inwards, and so contriv'd that the three ears supply the place of six so that every head seems to have its full quota of ears. This is constantly shewn to strangers as a curiosity worth regarding."
The three hares are depicted in churches, chapels and cathedrals in France and Germany. The symbol has been found in Iran on a copper coin minted in 1281 and on a brass tray, both from the time of the Mongol Empire.
The earliest known examples of the three hares are in representations of textile canopies painted on the ceilings of Buddhist cave temples in Dunhuang, an important staging post on the Silk Road.
"It's a wonderful mystery. Obviously they've got to have a meaning, but we're not sure what it is. Was the symbol given a special status in a religious context? It has been found in a Christian context, Buddhist, Islamic and Jewish.
Motif in Egypt
The motif has even been found in Egypt
"We think we'll be able to show a Hindu context as well, although we've not been able to do that yet.
originally posted by: FreakySteve
originally posted by: 808Funk
hey that video isn't working for me.
originally posted by: 808Funk
originally posted by: FreakySteve
originally posted by: 808Funk
hey that video isn't working for me.
I'm useless on MacBook and how to I post a Youtube clip and one of my own filming my Scooby's Binky's ?
originally posted by: FreakySteve
originally posted by: 808Funk
originally posted by: FreakySteve
originally posted by: 808Funk
hey that video isn't working for me.
I'm useless on MacBook and how to I post a Youtube clip and one of my own filming my Scooby's Binky's ?
you need to cut off the first part of the link and only use the video name number thing that is at the end of the youtube link
h tt ps://youtu.be/dsIWTm8kOGY
becomes
dsIWTm8kOGY
I imagine that's what happened , you won't be able to edit your post up there anymore, there' san time limit
maybe a mod will come by and fix it.
I haven't figured out a good mod summoning spell yet.
originally posted by: FreakySteve
originally posted by: 808Funk
cGyQmH9NZcw
Hope this helps but wanted the picture of the video on this tread.
here ya go
Watership down!