What Are the Stories Behind Different Symbols of Luck?

Fortune has been of interest to people since ancient times, and people use various symbols to attract luck and ward off evil. These symbols differ from one culture to the other and each of them has a different story to tell and meaning to convey. This said, it is now time to uncover the stories of the most famous symbols of good fortune that people all over the world cherish.

The Four-Leaf Clover

The four-leaf clover is one of the most popular symbols of good luck that is known all over the world. These are the rare clovers that are rooted from the Irish tradition and are said to be lucky because of their scarcity. Since one in every 5,000 clovers has four leaves, it is considered good luck to find one of them. Each leaf is said to represent different aspects: faith, hope, love, and luck.

The four-leaf clover was considered a symbol by the ancient Celtic priests, the Druids. They thought that if one wore it, one would be able to see evil spirits and thus be shielded from harm. This has persisted to the present generation where the four-leaf clover is used as a symbol of luck especially during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Besides the Celtic origin, the four-leaf clover has also become a part of popular culture. It appears in jewelry, clothing, and tattoos, symbolising the bearer’s wish for good fortune and safety. The reason why the four-leaf clover has remained popular is because it is a simple symbol and people around the world wish for good fortune.

The Horseshoe

The horseshoe is one of the most popular symbols of good luck and protection for many years. This belief can be traced back to the ancient Greeks who believed that horses were divine and that shoes of horses had some sort of enchantment.

Another myth was that the iron that was used for making horseshoes protected one from evil spirits, and this enhanced the superstitious belief about the shoes.

The most popular story about the lucky horseshoe is connected with Saint Dunstan, an English blacksmith who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury. There is a story that the Devil came to Dunstan and asked him to shoe his horse. The Devil came to get Dunstan but the saint instead nailed a horseshoe to his foot, which hurt him a lot. He agreed to take it off only if the Devil would not try to get into a house with a horseshoe nailed to its door. This tale thus reinforced the role of the horseshoe as a charm against evil.

This practice of using horseshoes as a symbol of good luck has been carried on for many years. There is a saying that if one hangs a horseshoe over the door with the ends facing upwards, then good luck will not leave the house. This practice is most common in the rural areas where horseshoes are easily accessible and their use is backed up by folklore. The tradition of the horseshoe is also seen in today’s games and media like the slot game Lucky Lady Charm where this symbol is commonly used.

The Maneki-neko (Beckoning Cat)

The Maneki-neko, or the ‘beckoning cat’ is a famous Japanese talisman that is believed to bring good fortune and wealth. Common in shops and businesses, this is a small statue that usually depicts a cat with one paw raised as if to invite. The history of the Maneki-neko can be dated back to the Edo period in Japan, approximately the 17th century, and there are many stories that explain how it became popular.

Once upon a time, a samurai was walking and it started to rain, and he had to take shelter under a tree which was near a temple. He saw the cat waving its paw as if to let him come in. He followed the cat and, as you may guess, a few minutes later a lightning struck the tree. The samurai was thankful to the cat and thus became a benefactor of the temple and brought it money and fame.

Another story is about a geisha who had a pet cat that she was very fond of. One day, the cat began pulling on her kimono, and her guest, thinking the cat was possessed, cut off its head. The head flew through the air and killed the snake that was about to attack the geisha. The geisha’s patron was devastated after the death of the cat and in order to pay tribute to the cat’s loyalty and protection, he made a statue of the cat.

There are different colours of the Maneki-neko and each colour has its own meaning. A white cat symbolises joy and cleanliness while a black cat is believed to chase away evil spirits and a gold cat is associated with wealth. The beauty of this symbol is that it is timeless and it captures the cultural aspect of people as well as the general desire for prosperity and protection.

The Elephant

Elephants are believed to be lucky, powerful and intelligent in many societies across the world. This magnificent creature has a special meaning in Hindu and Buddhist cultures as it is linked to gods and spirituality. The symbol of the elephant has been used for thousands of years and even today people believe that the elephant brings good luck.

Ganesha, the god with an elephant head is one of the most popular gods in Hinduism. Ganesha is known as the god of wisdom and the lord of success who removes all the obstacles in one’s path. It is common to find Ganesha statues at homes or offices to bring in success and ward off evil spirits. The elephant has been linked to Ganesha and this has made it to become a symbol of good luck and spiritual health.

In Buddhism, elephants are also valued a lot, especially white elephants which are believed to be divine. It is said that even before the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha, Queen Maya had a dream in which a white elephant offered her a lotus flower. This dream was given an interpretation that the child she was carrying was divine. This link between the elephant and this significant event strengthens the animal’s role as a symbol of good luck and spirituality.

Elephant symbols are not only used in religious settings but also in the normal life of the people. According to feng shui, it is recommended that one should place the elephant statues in the house to bring in good luck and ward off evil. The most common ones are elephants with their trunks up because they are believed to bring blessings and prosperity to the home. This belief in the elephant as a protective and lucky animal demonstrates how the elephant is a symbol of good luck that is loved by all.