Across cultures, people have long turned to lucky charms and symbols to attract good fortune, ward off bad luck, and bring prosperity. From ancient amulets to everyday rituals, these beliefs offer a fascinating glimpse into global traditions. Here’s a look at some well-known lucky symbols and where their superstitions come from.
Barrie's News Delivered To Your Inbox
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Maneki-Neko (Japan)
The Maneki-neko, or “beckoning cat,” is a popular Japanese figurine believed to bring good fortune, especially in business. Often seen in stores and restaurants, this cat is depicted with one paw raised in a waving gesture. Different colors hold different meanings—gold for wealth, white for happiness, and black for protection from evil spirits.
Four Leaf Clover (Ireland)
The shamrock, a three-leaf clover, is a well-known symbol in Irish culture. According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. Finding a rare four-leaf clover is said to bring luck, however, as each leaf represents hope, faith, love, and luck.
Horseshoe (Multiple Cultures)
Hanging a horseshoe above a doorway is thought to bring protection and good fortune. This belief originates from ancient European folklore, where iron was considered to ward off evil spirits. Some say the horseshoe should be hung with the open end facing up to catch luck, while others believe it should point downward to shower luck upon those who pass beneath it.
Evil Eye (Middle East, Greece, Turkey)
The Nazar Boncuğu, or Evil Eye, is often depicted as a blue and white eye-shaped amulet. It’s a protective charm against the curse of the Evil Eye, which is believed to bring misfortune or bad luck through envy. People wear or display the blue eye amulet to deflect negative energy and keep themselves safe. Found in homes, jewelry, and keychains, this symbol dates back thousands of years to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, where it was used to guard against envy and misfortune.
Cornicello (Italy)
The cornicello, or “little horn,” is a twisted, horn-shaped amulet worn by Italians to ward off the Evil Eye (or "malocchio"). Italians believe that envy or jealousy can cause misfortune, so wearing a cornicello helps counteract this curse, similar to how the blue eye is used in Turkey and Greece. Traditionally made of coral, gold, or silver, this charm is linked to ancient Roman beliefs in fertility and protection from bad energy.
Cowrie Shells (Nigeria & West Africa)
Cowrie shells have been used in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa for centuries, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and protection. The Yoruba people use them in divination practices to communicate with ancestors and seek protection from negative forces.
Dreamcatcher (Native American Cultures)
Dreamcatchers, originating from the Ojibwe people of North America, are handmade webs designed to filter dreams. Hung above beds, they are believed to trap bad dreams while allowing good ones to pass through, offering protection and peace to the sleeper.
Eye of Horus (Egypt)
The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, health, and strength. It represents the eye of the god Horus, who, according to myth, lost his eye in battle and had it restored. Egyptians wore the symbol as an amulet to guard against harm and bring blessings.
Number 8 (China)
In Chinese culture, the number eight is considered extremely lucky because its pronunciation ("ba") sounds similar to the word for prosperity ("fa"). Many people choose phone numbers, license plates, and even wedding dates with the number eight to attract prosperity.
Marigolds (Mexico – Día de los Muertos)
Marigolds, known as cempasúchil in Mexico, are believed to guide the spirits of the dead back to the world of the living during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Their bright color and strong scent are thought to help ancestors find their way home for the celebration.
Rainbows (Multiple Cultures)
Next on our list of lucky symbols is rainbows! Rainbows are often seen as symbols of hope, renewal, and good fortune. In many cultures, spotting a rainbow is believed to bring blessings, while Irish folklore tells of a leprechaun hiding a pot of gold at the end of one.
Acorns (Norse & Celtic Traditions)
Acorns have long been considered symbols of protection and good luck in Norse and Celtic traditions. Vikings carried acorns as talismans to ensure safety in battle and at sea. In folklore, keeping an acorn on a windowsill was believed to protect homes from lightning strikes.
Figa (Brazil & Portugal)
The figa, a hand-shaped amulet with the thumb clenched between the index and middle fingers, is a symbol of good luck and protection in Brazil and Portugal. It dates back to ancient Rome and is often worn as jewelry or kept as a charm to ward off the Evil Eye.
Elephants (India & Thailand)
Elephants, especially with their trunks raised, are considered lucky in many Asian cultures. In India, the Hindu god Ganesha, who has an elephant’s head, is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of good fortune. Statues of elephants are often placed at entrances to attract prosperity.
Rabbit’s Foot (North America & Europe)
Carrying a rabbit’s foot as a lucky charm dates back to ancient European and African traditions. In North America, this superstition became popular in the early 20th century, with people believing the foot brought luck, especially when carried in a pocket.
Bamboo (China & Japan)
Lucky bamboo, a common houseplant in Chinese and Japanese traditions, is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and harmony. The number of stalks has specific meanings – two for love, three for happiness, wealth and long life, and so on.
Ladybugs (Europe & North America)
In many cultures, ladybugs are seen as symbols of good luck, especially if one lands on you. In European folklore, farmers believed that ladybugs brought a bountiful harvest, while in North America, spotting one is said to grant a wish.
A world connected by luck
While these lucky symbols and superstitions vary by culture, they all reflect a universal human desire for protection, prosperity, and good fortune. Whether carrying a lucky charm, practicing a ritual, or following an age-old tradition, these beliefs remind us of our shared connection to the mysteries of luck and fate.
