Definition of a Good Luck Charm
A good luck charm by definition is an object that is believed to bring about good fortune or to ward off evil. It can take on many forms including plants and animals, rocks, inanimate objects, or even an entire ritual or practice such as Feng Shui. Cultures of past and present have introduced a wealth of amulets, talismans, symbols and practices designed to increase their fortune, improve or maintain their health, or protect loved ones from ornery spirits or danger.
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Chinese and East Asian Culture
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In Chinese tradition, bamboo is said to bring about happiness, wealth and longevity. East Asian culture has introduced a variety of amulets and practices believed to bring about fortune. The color red is considered to be particularly auspicious, and is often a dominant color in weddings, birthdays and public celebrations. Another popular symbol of good luck is the bamboo. In Chinese tradition, three stalks of bamboo are said to bring about Fu (happiness), Lu (wealth) and Soh (longevity). But perhaps the most distinct omen of fortune is the dragon. Seen as the ultimate manifestation of Chi, or life force, the dragon is said to bring about success and wisdom, and has been the symbol of Chinese emperors.
The Horseshoe
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All traditions believe that luck is contained in the horseshoe and can pour out through both ends. Use of the horseshoe as a good luck charm was reportedly introduced in Edward G. Flight's "The True Legend of St. Dunstan and the Devil", which was published in 1871. Since then, its popularity as a good luck charm has prevailed, particularly in England and Denmark. Cultures vary in their belief about how to hang horseshoes, with some believing that hanging it upside down (opening pointing down) will cause bad luck. However, all traditions believe that luck is contained in the horseshoe and can pour out through its ends.
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Four-Leaf Clover
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Irish tradition believes that the fourth leaf represents God's Grace. The four-leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the three-leaf clover, and when found, especially by accident, is said to bring good luck to its finder. Folklore states that the first leaf represents hope; the second represents faith; the third represents love; and the fourth leaf represents luck. In Irish tradition, the three-leaf clover, or Shamrock, is said to represent the Holy Trinity. When a fourth leaf is present, it is said to represent God's Grace.
Jewelry as Amulets
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Jewelry served as amulets for the Ancient Egyptians. Archaeology provides evidence that the upper class in Ancient Egypt wore jewelry for protection. The head, neck, arms, wrists, fingers, waist and ankles were considered to be vulnerable areas, and therefore required the use of hairpins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, decorative girdles and anklets. The wealthier classes fashioned jewelry out of precious metals like gold and silver, typically with precious or semi-precious stone inlays. Lower classes who could not afford these would create jewelry out of flowers, shells and seeds.
Other Natural Charms
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The elephant is a very auspicious animal in Indian and Buddhist culture. Some cultures believe that certain insects bring about good luck. In Western culture, the ladybug is considered to be lucky. In China, the cricket is said to bring about fortune and auspicious virtue. The rainbow has also been an omen of luck since the dawn of civilization. The Norse believed it to be Bilfrost, the bridge between heaven and earth. In Judeo-Christian tradition, the rainbow is said to be a covenant with God not to destroy the world. Other prominent figures of luck include the acorn and the elephant. The Norse believed that a single acorn perched on a windowsill will ward off lightning. Indian and Buddhist traditions hold a very special place for the elephant. To this day, no Buddhist procession is complete without at least one elephant.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit rainbow image by maxthewildcat from Fotolia.com lucky bamboo batch image by Aleksej Kostin from Fotolia.com horseshoe image by Vitaliy from Fotolia.com Cloverleaf four-leaf clover image by csoxa from Fotolia.com Jewelry image by Sergey Yakovenko from Fotolia.com elephant image by david purday from Fotolia.com
