Many of us use good luck charms as a way to be more positive and face uncertainty in our lives. While there is no proof that such items actually work, many of us love and obsess over them. Therefore, we carry them with us or place them in our homes. But either way, they are as unique and universal as human nature.
However, because there is a wide range of options, it is difficult to decide on a specific one. Therefore, many of us have a collection of them. If you read the first part of this article, today we bring you new good luck charms that are used around the world and their meaning.
Most famous good luck charms
Carp scales – Poland
In Poland it is believed that eating carp scales during Christmas dinner will bring good luck for the rest of the year. This Polish custom is also practiced in neighboring countries, such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic. According to tradition, they must keep the fish alive in the bathtub until it is time to kill it for the family dinner.
However, modern Poles have chosen to buy the carp ready to eat. Although, after consuming it, they keep some scales in their wallet or carry them with them for 12 months to attract good luck.
Dala horse- Sweden
For hundreds of years, horses were considered a sacred animal by the Swedes. So many of them came to use remains of wooden furniture to carve horse statuettes. What became a hobby and would give rise to one of the good luck charms most famous, the Dala or Dalecarlian horses. Which are also recognized as the unofficial symbol of Sweden.
Although time has passed, even today the horse remains a symbol of good luck. However, Dala horses are often quite expensive, so many people buy them unpainted and add the details themselves. The typical colors with which they are usually painted are red, white or green, and in addition to good luck, they are believed to bring strength and dignity.
Horseshoe – United States
This is one of the good luck charms most popular and that has several legends to which its powers are attributed. One of them says that they are good luck, because they keep mischievous fairies away from the houses that are decorated with them. Since they can’t touch iron because it hurts them.
In the United States the horseshoe is an amulet and at the same time a very popular symbol of good luck. But we can also find horseshoe arches in Islamic art and Egyptian iconography. On the other hand, despite the widespread belief that they provide protection and good luck in the home, there is no consensus on the correct way to hang them.
Some believe that they accumulate good luck if they are placed with the points facing upwards, while others claim that, if they point downwards, they will bring good luck to all who pass through the door.
Jin Chan – Chinese
«The Jinchan»also called «Chan Chu» either money Toad, It is a famous feng shui amulet for prosperity, very popular in China. Where it is considered as a symbol of luck and success. It is usually shown as a bullfrog with red eyes, wide nostrils, and only one hind leg. Which you are sitting on some Chinese coins and holding one of them in her mouth.
It is said that «Jin Chan» appears during the full moon, near houses or businesses to bring good fortune. According to an ancient Chinese legend, Jin Chan was the wife of one of the eight Immortals, who was turned into a toad after stealing the peach of immortality.
Keys- Worldwide
Although nowadays the keys are mainly associated with the opening of doors and freedom. What many of us ignore is their great magical potential, since they also constitute one of the good luck charms oldest known. Considered as a symbol of authority, power and knowledge, used in many societies and ceremonies to open paths.
But also, they can attract us good luck and prosperity, thus becoming a small and very versatile object. That if it knows how to work magically, it can attract everything good into our lives. For example, wearing a hanging key will bring us wisdom and good luck. But if we want to protect ourselves from the evil eye, we will use a golden key. It is also said that we can, we will attract health, money and love, if we put three keys on a chain.
Maneki Neko – Japan
It is a cat statue known in Japan as «the lucky cat» and is characterized by having a waving paw. His name is derived from the words “Maneki” what does it mean to sign and «neko» What does cat mean in Japanese?
Its power and meaning are believed to vary depending on which paw it is waving. For example, if you have your left paw raised, you will attract customers and good business. But, if the raised leg is the right one, it is believed that it will attract money and prosperity. This being the most common version that exists.
Likewise, the Maneki Neko can come in many different colors. Among them white means happiness, black means protection and green means health. As for its origin, there are several theories, but the most popular says that the lucky cat comes from a Tokyo legend.
According to this legend, a feudal lord was under a tree on a very stormy day. While he was sheltering from the rain, he was able to see a cat at the door of a temple, which made him curious. But just as he approached the cat, lightning struck the tree, which is how the cat would have saved him.
Rabbit’s foot – Worldwide
The rabbit’s foot is one of the good luck charms best known around the world. The origin of the rabbit’s foot as a good luck charm comes from the Celts. Who believed that because they lived deep underground, rabbits had the ability to speak with the spirits of the underworld. Today, it is still considered good luck to wear a rabbit’s foot. Although in North America, for example, it is believed that it can only bring good luck if it is the back foot on the left side. Besides that the rabbit must be killed under the new moon in a graveyard.
Pigs- Germany
In this country, pigs represent prosperity and wealth, and are associated with fertility and good luck. Hence the expression «Glücksschwein» which can be translated as «lucky pig». That is why they usually appear on cards to express good wishes, especially around the new year.
Also in northern Europe, it is possible to find sweets that are shaped like pigs and are often associated with wealth. In fact, people all over the world store coins in piggy banks to attract wealth and protect money.
As we can see, all over the world there is a desire to attract good luck. Although some people say they do not believe in this, when faced with uncertain situations they become superstitious, resorting to good luck charms.