THE STORY OF THE RABBIT OUT OF A HAT
Why do magicians pull RABBITS out of hats?
The image of a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat is a classic and iconic one that has become synonymous with the world of magic.
But where did this trick and its associated imagery originate?
It seems the origins of this trick can be traced back to the 1860s and 1870s, a time when magic was becoming increasingly popular as a form of entertainment.
At that time, magicians were always looking for new and inventive ways to wow their audiences, and one such way was the "production" trick.
In this trick, an object would seemingly appear out of thin air, often from the magician's sleeves or pockets.
One of the earliest recorded instances of a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat was in the 1860s, when a magician named Louis Comte performed the trick in France.
Comte would reportedly use a collapsible top hat with a false bottom, which he would use to conceal a small animal or object.
When he pulled the rabbit out, it would appear as though it had magically materialized out of nowhere.
The trick gained widespread popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as magicians like John Nevil Maskelyne and Harry Houdini began to perform it regularly.
It became a staple of stage magic, and the image of a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat became a fixture of popular culture.
While the trick itself may seem simple, there are a number of different variations that magicians can use to create the illusion.
Some use a trapdoor or false bottom in the hat, while others use a "load" hidden in their sleeve or up their sleeve.
The most important aspect of the trick is misdirection, as the magician must distract the audience's attention away from where the rabbit is actually coming from.
The image of a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat has become so ubiquitous that it has even found its way into other forms of media.
It has been featured in movies, television shows, and cartoons, and has become a cultural touchstone for magic itself.
BUT WHY A RABBIT?
First, the rabbit has always been associated with the magic of nature.
Remarkably fertile, very nimble and very cunning, the rabbit was considered a sign of luck, and good magic, in contrast to dark magic.
Second, the rabbit made for a very convenient and useful prop.
Rabbits, especially baby ones, of which there were always an abundance, were small and easy to conceal.
Bunnies didn't make noise when hidden in a hat, and they generally didn't bite when lifted out of hiding.
They couldn't fly away, like birds, they were cheap to obtain and care for, and their light color fur showed up well from stage.
Their expressions were sweet and charming.
The same reasons rabbits are used by magicians today!
FAMOUS MAGICIANS WHO PULLED RABBITS FROM HATS
John Henry Anderson (1814-1874):
Known as "The Great Wizard of the North," John Henry Anderson was a Scottish magician who popularized the rabbit-out-of-a-hat trick in the mid-19th century. He performed the trick on numerous occasions during his career, and it became one of his signature acts. Anderson's performances and showmanship greatly contributed to the growing popularity of magic during that time.
Harry Houdini (1874-1926):
While Harry Houdini is best remembered for his daring escapes and illusions, he also incorporated the rabbit-out-of-a-hat trick into his performances. Houdini was a master at misdirection and sleight of hand. He used various techniques and props to create a sense of wonder, and the rabbit trick was one of his crowd-pleasers.
Okito (1875-1963):
Okito, whose real name was Theo Bamberg, was a German magician who performed extensively in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known for his skillful manipulation and stagecraft. Okito's version of the rabbit-out-of-a-hat trick involved an elaborately decorated hat, and he would produce not just one rabbit but multiple rabbits in quick succession, creating a spectacle that left audiences astounded.
Thurston (1869-1936):
Howard Thurston, one of the most successful 20th century Amercian magicians, took the Rabbit From Hat trick one step further. In his famous "All Out of a Hat" routine, Thurston pulled an enormous amount of items from an enormous top hat- flowers, silks, live anmials and, of course, a bevy of beautiful female assistants.
HERE ARE TWO CELEBRITY VERSIONS OF THE RABBIT FROM HAT TRICK:
Penn and Teller on Jimmy Fallon's show:
Paul Daniels