Generally, many of us have a tendency to wear good luck charms as a way to be more positive and face the uncertainty in our lives. Despite there is no proof that such objects really work, we really love use 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.

Maneki neko Good Luck Charms
Maneki Neko, Image By Carla Burke from Pixabay 

However, because there is such a wide range of options, it is difficult to decide on a specific one. Therefore, many of us have a collection of them, so if you read the first part of this article, today we bring you more information about good luck charms that are worn around the world and their meaning.

Most famous good luck charms

Carp scales – Poland

People from believe that eating carp scales during Christmas dinner will attract 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 tub until the time for the family dinner.  

However, in modern times they buy the carp ready to eat. Although, after consuming it they keep some scales in their wallet or carry them around for 12 months to attract good luck.

Dala Horse – Sweden

For hundreds of years, horses have been considered a sacred animal by the Swedes and many of them use remains of wooden furniture to carve statuettes of horses. This became a hobby and would give birth to one of the most famous good luck charms, the Dala or Dalecarlian horses. In addition, they are also recognized as the unofficial symbol of Sweden.

Despite time has passed, even today the horse is still a symbol of good luck. However, Dala horses are usually quite expensive; for this reason, 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 most popular good luck charms and has several legends to which its powers are attributed. One of them says they are good luck because they keep the naughty fairies away from the houses, since they cannot touch the iron because it hurts them.

In the United States, the horseshoe is both an amulet and a popular symbol of good luck. But we can also find horseshoe bows in Islamic art and in Egyptian iconography. In addition, 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 people believe that they accumulate good luck if they are placed with their points upwards, while others claim that, if they are pointed downwards, they will bring good luck to all who pass through the door.

Jin Chan – China

“Jin Chan”, also called “Chan Chu” or golden toad, is a famous feng shui prosperity charm, very popular in China; it is considered as a symbol of luck and success and usually shown as a bullfrog with red eyes, wide nostrils and only one hind leg. It sits on Chinese coins and holds one of them in its 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 immortality peach.

Keys – Worldwide

Although today the keys are mainly associated with the opening of doors and freedom, what many of us don’t know is their magical potential, given that they are also one of the oldest good luck charms known. Besides, they are considered a symbol of authority, power and knowledge, used in many societies and ceremonies to open paths.

But also, they can attract good luck and prosperity to us, thus becoming a small and very versatile object, and if knows how to work it magically it can attract all the good things to our lives. For example, wearing a key will bring us wisdom and good luck. But if we wish 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 place three keys on a chain.

Maneki Neko – Japan

This is a cat statue known in Japan as “the lucky cat” and is characterized by a waving paw. The name comes from the words “Maneki” which means beckoning and “Neko” which means cat in Japanese.

It is believed that its power and meaning varies according to the paw that is waving. For instance, if your left paw is raised, it will attract customers and good business. But, if the raised paw is the right one, it is believed that it will attract money and prosperity.

Additionally, the Maneki Neko can come in many different colors, among them: white means happiness, black means protection and green means health. There are several theories as to its origin, but the most popular one says that the lucky cat comes from a Tokyo legend. 

According to this legend, a feudal lord was under a tree on a stormy day. While taking shelter from the rain, he saw 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 best known good luck charms in the world. The origin of the rabbit’s foot as a good luck charm comes from the Celts. They believed that because they lived deep underground, rabbits had the ability to talk to 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. In addition, the rabbit must be killed under the new moon in a cemetery.

Pigs – Germany

In this country, pigs represent prosperity and wealth, and are associated with fertility and good luck. “Glücksschwein” is a German expression that translates to “lucky pig.” This is why they often appear on cards to express good wishes, especially around the New Year.

Also, they can be found in candy and there are treats shaped like pigs all over Northern Europe. People all over the world store coins in piggy banks to attract future wealth and protect their earnings.

As we can see, all over the world there is a desire to attract good luck. Although some people say they don’t believe in this, but when they have to confront with uncertain situations they become superstitious, resorting to good luck charms.

ALFA