Good Luck Charms from Around the World

Different countries have various types of good luck charms, including symbols, Talismans, charms, and amulets for good luck. The rabbit’s foot is a popular good luck charm with a rich historical context and cultural significance. Here is a collection of some of the most popular good luck charms from around the world and why they are considered lucky.

Carp Scales Poland

In many European countries, carp (called Wigilia,) is a traditional Christmas meal. The meal is similar to the Feast of the Seven Fishes in Italy, where there is one dish for each of the 12 apostles. The scales resemble silver coins. The fish is thought to bring such good luck and prosperity, that the scales are carried around in wallets for the year to attract wealth.

Dala Horse Sweden

Horses are a symbol of strength and courage. The hand-carved horses originated from the Dalarna region in Sweden, initially carved by poor families as a source of income. In time some toy shops began to sell them. The World Exhibition in New York in 1939 made the Dala horse famous. The Dala Horse is a traditional gift in Sweden for any kind of life celebration including weddings and graduations. It represents strength, wisdom, faithfulness and dignity.

Red Bats China

Almost as popular as the dragon, emperors had red bats embroidered on royal imperial robes and clothing. In feng shui, the bat is a symbol of good fortune. Thought to ward off evil and worn as lucky charms. The word for a bat in China is bian fu. And fu is a homonym of the word 福 which means good fortune and happiness. Because the bat hangs upside down, this symbol is often hung upside down in homes. In China, red is the color of prosperity, so the bats used for decorations were always painted cinnabar red. Five red bats stand for the five good fortunes of health, longevity, love, wealth, and virtue.

Dolphins Rome

Dolphins are said to appear in times of need to provide protection, help, and guidance. In ancient times sailors who spent months at sea would say that seeing dolphins meant land was nearby. Wearing a dolphin pendant is said to not only protect you, but also keep you on the right track towards your goal. Also popular in Italy is the Cornette which is a horn-shaped charm. You will often see it hanging on people’s rearview mirror or at the entrance of their businesses to bring luck, success & prosperity.

Elephants India & Thailand

In Hinduism, the elephant is a sacred animal and is considered the representation or the living incarnation of Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity riding a mouse and one of the most important gods. Native to Asia and Africa, the elephant was highly admired and on par with mythical animals like the dragon and phoenix. While all elephant images are symbols of protection, stability, good fortune, and wisdom, white elephants are especially auspicious according to Feng Shui.

Figa Charm Brazil

The Brazilian figa charm is shaped like a clenched fist with the thumb pressed between the second and third fingers. Figa charms repel bad energy and bring good fortune. However, you should not purchase one for yourself; it should be a gift. Figas come in all sizes and are made of various materials, including wood and gold.

Dreamcatcher Native American Culture

Many Native Americans believe that the night air is filled with dreams that are both good and bad. The dream catcher, when hung over or near your bed, swinging freely in the air, catches the dreams as they flow by. The good dreams know how to pass through the dream catcher, slipping through the outer holes and sliding down the soft feathers so gently that many times the sleeper does not know that they are dreaming. The bad dreams, not knowing the way, get tangled in the dream catcher and perish with the first light of the new day. Often handcrafted, many are designed with unique colors that represent the 7 chakras as well as the 7 great spirits in Native American culture. Others believe that the dreamcatcher has a broader meaning and that it brings good luck and energy to those that have one.

Four Leaf Clover Ireland

The reason that 4 leaf clovers are good luck is simple. Finding a 4 leaf clover is rare. The four sides symbolize faith, hope, luck, and love, and anyone who finds it is said to have great fortune that day. Read New Years Lucky Flowers

Hamsa Israel & Arab Countries

The Hamsa Hand is a universal sign of protection, power and strength that dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. Known as the Hand of Fatima in Islam and Hand of Miriam in Judaism, it’s believed to protect against the evil eye and bad spirits, as well as all negative energies. Not only is it said to protect those that have it, but it also brings positive energy, happiness, prosperity, and health.

Scarab Egypt

The ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab was the earthly manifestation of the god Khepri, who pushed the sun across the sky each day, only to disappear and magically re-appear the next morning. As such, it is a powerful amulet for self-creation, transformation, and re-birth. Beetles are often seen pushing things many times their weight, so they also symbolize strength & determination. A powerful lucky charm from ancient Egyptian wisdom, the Egyptian Beetle is used today not only to attract luck & prosperity but also to promote harmony and balance.

Maneki-Neko Japan

The maneki-neko (Japanese: 招き猫, literally “beckoning cat”) is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. These whimsical cat figures have become one of Japan’s most recognizable symbols. They are available in different designs. It is said that if the left paw is raised, it is for welcoming customers and business, while the right paw is raised beckons for wealth and good luck for its owner. Some designs have both paws up. The various colors they come in also have special meaning. A black Maneki Neko wards off evil spirits. White is for happiness & good things to come. Red for luck in love. Calico is the traditional color and considered to be the luckiest. In addition to the Maneki-Neko, wind chimes are also popular in Japan and are believed to attract good fortune.

Tumi Peru

One of the most essential surgical instruments used in ancient Peru during the Inka Empire was the “Tumi.” It was a knife made of an alloy of copper, called “Champi”, which was considered a symbol of Peruvian medicine. It has a characteristic semicircular sword often made of gold, bronze, copper, or silver alloy. In the Inkan dynasty, it was used by the high priest to offer up a llama at the Inty Raymi festival. In modern-day Peru, the Tumi is their national symbol, and is found in the living room of many Peruvian homes as a symbol of good luck & protection.

Pigs Germany

Possessing pigs was a sign of material wealth and prosperity during the Middle Ages, indicating the owners would never go hungry.  “Ich habe Schwein gehabt” (“I had pig”) became a common expression for being lucky. Today they often use the expression “Schwien gehabt,” which means got lucky there, but literally translated means “got pig.” Over the years, the pig remained a good luck symbol. Pigs are a popular gift, especially around the holidays, given in the form of Marizpan.

Acorns England & Scandinavia

Why are acorns lucky in England and Scandinavia? In Scandinavia, legend has it that Thor, the god of thunder, once took shelter under an oak tree during a storm. Since then, oak trees have been said to be under Thor’s protection. Many would place acorns on their windowsills to protect them from lightning.

In England, soldiers carried acorns in their pockets to protect them from serious injuries, so they became a good luck charm. People were also amazed at how a large, strong oak tree would grow from such a small acorn. The acorn was associated with spiritual growth, hope, prosperity, and new life.

Other posts that may interest you: Chinese New Year’s Lucky Foods, Evil Eye Symbol Meaning, Lucky Things to do on St. Patrick’s Day & Landmarks That Bring Good luck.

Types of Lucky Charms

Lucky charms come in various forms and can be categorized into different types, each believed to bring good fortune uniquely.

• Animal-based lucky charms: These charms are derived from animals and are believed to possess the qualities of the animal they represent, such as the rabbit’s foot, which symbolizes fertility and good fortune. Horseshoes, often hung above doorways, are thought to bring protection and luck. Ladybugs, literally called lucky bugs, are considered lucky when they land on you, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
• Plant-based lucky charms: These charms are made from plants and are believed to embody the plant’s qualities. The four-leaf clover, an ancient Irish symbol, is one of the most famous plant-based lucky charms, symbolizing faith, hope, love, and luck. Lucky bamboo is another popular charm, especially in Chinese culture, where it is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. Acorns, associated with spiritual growth and protection, are also considered lucky symbols.
• Object-based lucky charms: These charms are made from various objects and are believed to bring good luck and protection. Coins are often kept as lucky charms, especially those with historical significance. Lucky dice, usually carried by gamblers, are believed to bring good luck in games of chance. Horseshoes, made from iron, are thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
• Symbol-based lucky charms: These charms are made from symbols and are believed to possess the qualities they represent. The evil eye, a common symbol in many cultures, protects against negative energies and bad luck. The Celtic cross, rooted in ancient Irish culture, symbolizes faith and protection. Chinese coins, often tied together with red string, are believed to attract wealth and prosperity.

Cultural Significance of Lucky Charms

Lucky charms have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, with each culture having its unique symbols and beliefs. These charms are often deeply rooted in the culture’s history, mythology, and spiritual practices.

• In Irish culture, the four-leaf clover is a revered lucky charm. Its rarity makes it a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Each leaf represents faith, hope, love, and luck, making it a powerful good luck symbol.
• In Chinese culture, lucky bamboo is a popular good luck charm. It is believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and positive energy. The number of stalks in a bamboo arrangement also holds significance, with specific numbers representing different types of luck.
• The rabbit’s foot is a common belief in many cultures as a good luck charm. It is thought to bring good luck and protection, often carried as a talisman to ward off bad luck and evil spirits.
• In many cultures, New Year’s Eve is associated with various rituals and superstitions aimed at attracting good fortune for the coming year. For instance, in Spain, wearing red underwear and eating grapes at midnight is customary.

Lucky charms are often used to ward off bad luck, evil spirits, and negative energies. They are also believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and positive energies. In many cultures, lucky charms are considered to possess spiritual powers and are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke good luck and prosperity.

How to Use Lucky Charms

Lucky charms can be used in various ways to bring good luck and prosperity into your life. Here are some common methods:

• Carry them with you: One of the simplest ways to harness the power of a lucky charm is to carry it with you. Whether it’s a rabbit’s foot, a four-leaf clover, or a lucky coin, keeping it close can provide a sense of protection and attract good fortune.
• Display them: Placing your lucky charm in a prominent location, such as on a shelf, desk, or window, can help attract positive energy and good luck. For example, displaying a lucky bamboo plant in your home or office is believed to bring prosperity and harmony.
• Use them in rituals: Incorporating lucky charms into rituals and ceremonies can enhance their effectiveness. For instance, using a dreamcatcher to ward off bad dreams or performing a ritual with a lucky coin to attract wealth can amplify the charm’s power.
• Give them as gifts: Sharing the luck by giving a lucky charm as a gift can spread good fortune to others. Whether it’s a Figa charm from Brazil or a Maneki-Neko from Japan, gifting a lucky charm can bring joy and prosperity to the recipient.

Lucky Charms in History

Throughout history, lucky charms have been used to bring good luck and protection. Here are some notable examples:

• Ancient Egypt: The ancient Egyptians used various lucky charms, such as the ankh and the scarab, to bring good luck and protection. The scarab beetle, in particular, was a powerful symbol of transformation and rebirth, often used in amulets and jewelry.
• Ancient Greece: The ancient Greeks believed in the power of lucky charms like the four-leaf clover and the horseshoe. The four-leaf clover was considered a rare and powerful symbol of good luck, while the horseshoe was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity.
• World War II: During World War II, soldiers often carried lucky charms to protect them in battle. Rabbit’s feet and lucky dice were popular choices, believed to bring good luck and safeguard them from harm.
• Souvenir shops: Souvenir shops have historically been places where people acquire lucky charms and other meaningful items that hold cultural significance. These shops often sell items like milagros, which are associated with folk beliefs and traditions aimed at bringing luck or healing.

Lucky charms have been a part of human culture for centuries, with various cultures having their unique symbols and beliefs. These charms are often deeply rooted in history, mythology, and spiritual practices. By understanding the different types of lucky charms, their cultural significance, and how to use them, we can harness their power to bring good luck and prosperity into our lives. Whether you believe in their spiritual powers or not, lucky charms can be a fun and creative way to express your personality and style. Want to start the year off with luck, make sure to read New Years Traditions For Good Luck

Other posts that may interest you: Chinese New Year’s Lucky Foods, Evil Eye Symbol Meaning, Lucky Things to do on St. Patrick’s Day, Lucky Fruits for New Years & Landmarks That Bring Good luck.

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