Since ancient times the Lucky charms, are part of the life of human beings in different cultures, so there are many stories, origins, beliefs and characteristics of these objects, which in many cases are also used to decorate houses or as beauty accessories , in jewelry such as bracelets, bangles, earrings or rings. So, if you wish for prosperity and good fortune, here are some of what are considered to be the best lucky charms.
elephants: This animal has always been a symbol of power, strength, wisdom and balance, which has been used in homes over time, because superstition and popular beliefs indicate that it should be placed at the entrance of houses and businesses, to ward off bad luck; with which the place is cleaned and positive energies are attracted.
Maneki Neko: They are the famous fortune kittens, originally from Japan, and it is common to see them at the doors of businesses, because it is associated with the protection of businesses. This is because there is a Japanese legend from the 17th century; which tells the story of a rich merchant caught in a strong storm, who is saved by a Japanese bobtail cat.
The term «Maneki» means «invite to pass», while Neko means «cat», so the movement of his hand indicates that he is inviting himself to pass; instead of waving, as many people believe. If he raises his right hand it is associated with prosperity and money; if you do it with the left, it is associated with the arrival of visitors, and with both hands, it protects the home or business.
Pucara Bull: This original object of the southern Andean peoples of Peru, is made of ceramic, and is one of the lucky charms that is associated with fertility, protection and happiness in marriage.
Beetle: Lucky charms made from beetles have been used since ancient times for protection against disease and death. The scarab has been a symbol that appears in ancient Egypt, in a large number of hieroglyphs, sculptures and statues, and its form combined with a human body and a scarab face, represents the God Jeprien. However, he is mostly associated with the God Ra, creator of the universe.
Hamsa: It is one of the lucky charms associated with Sephardic Jewish and Muslim cultures, in which it means «five»; in reference to the five fingers of the hand, for which it is also known as «the hand of God», and according to known traditions, it protects from evil, attracts good luck and prevents diseases. It has been used in Jewish synagogues since 244 AD.
Carp scales: It is one of the lucky charms, representative of the Christmas season, since carp is a traditional food in many Central European countries, even in Germany and Poland the tradition of keeping some carp scales in the wallet is followed after christmas dinner; and they are carried there until the following year; to be protected from bad energies and have luck.
Dream Hunter: It is one of the lucky charms that was created by the native Ojibwa or Chippewa people in the northern part of the United States in the 1960s and 1970s when the Pan-Indian movement emerged. It is used to filter dreams, hanging at the head of the bed or on the side, in order to protect people against nightmares and terror at night. Although today, they are also used as a talisman to catch good energies and good luck.
Horseshoe: This amulet is used as a protector of houses, to attract good luck and ward off the evil eye. Its use for these purposes stems from the legend of Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was also a blacksmith; and when the devil came into his shop to ask him for a shoe for his horse, he nailed it to the devil’s foot; and then he demanded that in order to remove it, he must promise that he would never enter any home with a horseshoe on his door.
Ekeko: It is an amulet from the Andean highlands, which carries backpacks with food and is missing a sandal. It is associated with abundance, good luck, fertility and joy; and in countries like Peru, Argentina, northern Chile, Bolivia and eastern Venezuela where he is called «Don Juan del Dinero».
Rabbit’s foot: One of the most popular lucky charms in the world, and is used in many countries in Europe, Africa, North America; Central and South; even in China. It is believed that it originated in the year 600 BC, among the Celtic peoples, who believed that the rabbit in its entirety brought good luck, because they live underground in burrows; and that is why they maintained direct communication with the spirits of the underworld and the gods.
Nazar: It is one of the lucky charms, whose origin is believed to have been in Central Asia, however, many maintain that it emerged during the Ottoman Empire. It is widely used in countries such as Greece, Syria, Cyprus, Albania, Turkey and Romania; and has become popular throughout the world, becoming one of the favorite souvenirs of tourists; to ward off the evil eye.
Acorns: They are lucky charms used by the English during the conquest of Normandy in the 11th century, with the aim of protecting themselves against daily adversities. Since then this fruit has been considered a symbol of power, luck, youth, prosperity and spiritual growth.