Monday, January 4, 2010

Book Cover Symbolism

I’ve had a lot of questions lately about the image on the cover of Prophecy of Days. Was it something I made up? Something the cover artist drew? Something I found in clipart?

Nope, it’s part of a very old symbol found all over Asia, Eurpoe, and the British Isles. Can you find the bit from the cover in this old carving? (Photograph by Chris Chapman - check it out here.)



Yep, it’s the ears. This symbol is called the Three Hares and the oldest example (600 AD) was found in the Dunhuang Caves in China. From there it's traced all over Eurasia to England, following the Silk Road. This symbol figures prominently in book one, and becomes a key turning point in book two. Though it has a rich and interesting history, the Three Hares icon has not been accurately decoded.

Yet…

Mwah ha ha…

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very cool! Absolutely CAN'T WAIT to read your books.
CAM

PJ Hoover said...

Awesome symbol! I love that it is on your cover, too!

ann foxlee said...

What a great symbol! I can see why you were inspired enough to write a book :-)

Congrats on both your book and your Lit Arts award!
So funny to run across not just a fellow Oregonian, but a fellow young readers award winner! I won a few years ago, and I'm finally finishing my book after a massive rewrite...

Can't wait to run to Powell's when your book comes out :-)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

What a cool symbol, very mysterious, but then I gather you are going to unravel the hitherto unrevealed secret!
Chicken and Egg Question: Which came to you first the story idea or the symbol?

V. S said...

Interesting back story to your cover!

Irene Latham said...

Oh wow, rabbits have great symbolism in many cultures... I love this! Can't wait to see how it plays in your book. xxoo

Katie Anderson said...

Very cool, Christy! Very cool!

Karen Mahoney said...

Hi! I just wanted to introuduce myself & congratulate you on your amazing cover & forthcoming publication. Your book sounds SO good! :)

I'm debuting with Flux in early 2011, so we will be publisher (and editor?) buddies. I am a Brit, so I'm particularly looking forward to reading your book. I am going to try using my meagre authorly powers to get an early copy. *g* I wonder if Brian could be swayed! LOL.

Anyway, best wishes & I'll keep an eye on your blog.

Kaz

Christy Raedeke said...

Hi Karen! So nice to meet another Fluxian! Really looking forward to reading The Iron Witch.

Thanks for introducing yourself.

Cheers, Christy

Holly Schindler said...

Ah, Christy, my "twin" sister! (Come on--two debuts, same house, same date? Oh, yeah, we're twins.) Love your cover...Can't WAIT for May 1!