All around the world, people carry “good luck charms” with them—items that they feel lead them away from misfortune and towards the life they pray for. Some of these items make sense, while others are a little confusing, and here are a few of them that are the most popular around.
Maneki Neko
The “beckoning cat,” or Maneki Neko, is a popular figure in Japanese culture. Often seen in shops and restaurants, it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner. The cat’s raised paw is said to attract wealth and success in business, so many people collect them.
Acorns
In Norse mythology, acorns have long been associated with good fortune and potential, as they are linked to Thor, the god of thunder, symbolizing divine protection. People often keep acorns in their pockets or homes, believing they bring longevity, strength, and prosperity.
Elephants
In many cultures, elephants are deeply respected for their strength and wisdom, and statues or images of elephants, especially with trunks raised, are believed to attract good luck. They are often placed near entrances to welcome positive energy and bring stability and protection to the household.
Four-Leaf Clovers
Perhaps the most famous good luck charm is the Irish four-leaf clover. Finding one is so rare that the Courier-Journal claims that the odds are as low as 1 in 10,000. The Celtics believed they offered protection against evil spirits while also bringing good fortune to the finder.
Horseshoes
A lot of people hang horseshoes above doorways, a common practice for attracting good luck. Traditionally, horseshoes were made of iron, which was believed to ward off evil. The open end pointing upward is said to hold good fortune, preventing it from spilling out.
Rabbit’s Foot
Carrying a rabbit’s foot around with you might sound strange, but it’s seen as a good luck charm in ancient folklore. This superstition is particularly strong in North America, where it symbolizes fertility and prosperity. The belief suggests that the left hind foot of a rabbit is especially lucky.
Dreamcatchers
Originating from Native American traditions, dreamcatchers are believed to protect sleepers from bad dreams. Their intricate webs are designed to catch negative thoughts and nightmares, allowing only positive dreams to pass through, so try hanging one over your bed to see if your dreams are affected.
Bamboo Plants
The ancient practice of Feng Shui holds a deep respect for bamboo plants. They are thought to bring good luck, health, and prosperity to a room, due to their famous resilience and rapid growth. Specifically, keeping them in your home or office is believed to enhance positive energy and fortune.
Ladybugs
Not only are they cute, but ladybugs are also seen as symbols of good luck and protection. Many cultures believe that if a ladybug lands on you, it brings good fortune, and counting the spots on its back is thought to predict how many months of good luck will follow.
Fish Symbols
Commonly associated with abundance and good luck in various cultures, fish symbols are popular lucky charms. This is especially so in Chinese tradition, where fish represent wealth and prosperity. Having an aquarium in a Chinese home or business is considered especially powerful at attracting financial success and positive energy.
Keys
Around the world, carrying a key charm is believed to unlock doors to success and happiness. In ancient times, keys symbolized authority and the opening of new opportunities, so to this day, people often keep key charms as reminders of potential paths to success.
Evil Eye Talismans
Blue and white evil eye talismans are believed to protect against negative energies and jealousy, especially in Mediterranean cultures. These charms are worn or displayed to ward off the harmful glare of others, with the protective power of these symbols thought to bring peace and safety.
Wishbones
One of the more bizarre lucky charms is a broken wishbone from an animal. Each person holds one end and makes a wish while pulling it apart. The person left with the larger piece is believed to have their wish granted, a practice that stems from ancient Roman times.
Scarabs
Popular in ancient Egyptian culture, scarabs symbolize rebirth and protection. These beetle-shaped amulets were worn in ancient times to ensure safety and to bring good fortune. They were often placed in tombs, believed to protect and bring luck to the deceased in the afterlife.
The Number Eight
In many cultures, the number eight is considered lucky due to its symmetrical shape and infinite loop, symbolizing eternity. In Chinese culture, it sounds similar to the word for “prosperity,” leading many people to incorporate the number into important life decisions, hoping it brings continuous good fortune.
Nazar Amulets
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures see great luck and value in nazar amulets, which are often blue with an eye-shaped design. They are believed to protect against the evil eye and negative influences, and to this day, they’re still commonly worn as jewelry or displayed in homes.
Coins
Many people keep coins as good luck charms, especially those with unique markings or dates. Adding to this, many cultures believe that finding a coin, especially heads-up, is seen as a sign of impending good fortune. People frequently carry or collect such coins, believing they attract wealth into their lives.
Turtles
While nobody carries turtles around as good luck charms, they symbolize longevity, wisdom, and stability in various cultures. Their slow and steady nature represents a resilient journey through life. Instead of keeping a real turtle, figurines or images are popular in homes, believed to attract good luck and enhance longevity.
Bells
Another object people consider lucky is bells, which ward off evil spirits and attract positive energy. In many cultures, ringing bells is associated with clearing away negativity and inviting good fortune, and therefore, bell charms or wind chimes are commonly hung in homes or gardens to bring harmony and luck.
Star Symbols
Due to their association with guidance and hope throughout history, star symbols are commonly carried as good luck charms. In many cultures, wearing star symbols or keeping star-shaped objects is believed to attract good luck and inspiration, with the stars also serving as reminders of their aspirations.