In Western Europe, people have considered the feet of rabbits lucky since before 600 B.C.
Several characteristics of the rabbit may have led to its great popularity:
It is born with its eyes open, suggesting innate wisdom; it spends much of its life underground, suggesting a connection to a mysterious netherworld; it is prolific, suggesting wealth and prosperity.
Any part of the rabbit was considered lucky, but the foot was especially prized, possibly as a phallic or fertility symbol.