You'll Definitely Want These Charms Around
Feeling unlucky lately? If you want to change your fortune around, we suggest looking into these 20 lucky charms from all around the globe. While there's obviously no real scientific evidence that these items will bring you good fortune, it can't hurt to try, right?
1. Fish
In many cultures, like Chinese, Japanese, and Indian, fish are often considered very lucky. Whether it's a specific species or just the word itself, this animal is commonly associated with good fortune, longevity, fertility, and wealth. That's why this symbol is so commonly seen on items like jewelry to furniture and paintings!
Sebastian Pena Lambarri on Unsplash
2. Ladybugs
Many places around the world, from countries in Europe to Asia and North America, all see ladybugs as lucky charms that bring you good fortune. If one happens to land on you, you best believe superstitious individuals will be buying a lottery ticket!
Jon Sullivan (PD-PDphoto.org) on Wikimedia
3. The Number 7
Countries out in the West and Japan all believe the number 7 to be one of the luckiest there is. And that's saying a lot, considering there's really an infinite range of numbers you can count up to! Most of this superstition has to do with the fact that 7 is tied to many magical cultural myths.
4. Bamboo
Particularly in China, bamboo is seen as a very lucky plant. A lot of factors are taken into account, such as how many stalks there are, where you place it, and how it grows. But thanks to its low maintenance nature and beautiful strength, it's tied to good luck, prosperity, and good energy.
5. Acorns
In Celtic and Nordic cultures, these little but strong and mighty seeds are seen as symbols of good fortune thanks to their association with endurance, strength, and immortality. Acorns also grow into stunning oak trees, something that is also tied with sturdiness and growth. Just keep one in your pocket if you need some extra luck - you never know, it might just work.
6. Albatross
These majestic flying white birds aren't just beautiful to admire, they might just bring you a little something good too. It's believed that for sailors, seeing an albatross flying in the sky while out at sea is a sign of good luck.
7. The Number 8
In both Chinese and Japanese culture, the number 7 is pushed aside for the lucky number 8. That's because in China, the pronunciation of this number sounds very similar to the word that means "fortune." Similarly, in Japan, the visual shape of the number is typically seen as representing wealth and prosperity.
8. Barnstar
Over in the United States, you may have noticed before that some barns have a giant star placed somewhere on the exterior. While some might see it as a decorative choice, the truth is, it's placed there meaningfully. These barnstars are meant to give protection, seen as good luck charms against evil.
9. Dreamcatchers
As something that's meant to protect you from nightmares, it only makes sense that dreamcatchers are universally seen as good luck, right? Just hang it above your bed to get some peaceful night's sleep if you've been struggling.
10. Four-leaf Clovers
Arguably one of the most prominent symbols of good fortune in Western cultures, the four-leaf clover represents Irish luck. How many of you have spent your afternoons as kids looking around in fields for one? Finding one definitely made you feel like the luckiest kid in the world.
11. Jade
Particularly in Chinese culture, jade is a gemstone that's considered incredibly valuable not just for its price, but for its meaning. There's a reason why you can find so many pieces of jewelry embedded with this gem! Jade is said to bring positive energy wherever it is, being closely tied to harmony, peace, and fortune.
12. Pigs
You may be surprised to learn that these sloppy, often dirty animals are considered good luck in various cultures, but pigs are more often than naught seen as lucky symbols that can bring you positive energy. Whether it's wealth, fertility, or luck in business ventures, pigs are connected to them all!
13. Maneki-neko
No, these adorable cat figures are not a part of Chinese culture, they're from Japan! With their little paw held up like it's waving to you, these popular figurines, which are also known as the welcoming cat or lucky cat, are here to wish you well and good fortune. You'll often see them placed in shrines, temples, or even restaurants!
14. Horseshoes
As one of the marshmallows found in Lucky Charms cereal, you probably grew up knowing that horseshoes are considered good luck charms. For the superstitious, they might even hang them on doors just to be safe! Many legends and myths told surrounding this item has led it to be as magical as it is today.
15. Rabbit's Foot
This one is certainly an odd item that came to be a lucky charm, but a rabbit's foot is often believed to have positive magical energy by many countries all over the globe. The origin of this belief is rooted in superstition and varies from place to place, but it's undeniable how many people believe in it.
16. Snakes
You might be terrified of seeing one in real life, but in many Asian cultures, snakes are actually viewed as lucky beings. Most people in Western countries might associate them with being slippery, evil reptiles, but some see them as symbols of power, rebirth, and wisdom. That is, as long as you can get over their creepy tongues and scales!
17. Swallows
From South Korea to Portugal, swallows are lovely little birds that are said to bring you good luck if you come across one. So if you ever see one building a nest on your roof, don't destroy it! It might just be bringing positivity to your household.
18. Wishbones
A popular tradition in America is breaking a wishbone during Thanksgiving and making a wish if you're lucky enough to pull the longer side. That's why this strange little bone is now deeply connected with wish-making abilities that come with good luck.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa on Unsplash
19. White Rats
Most people likely see rats as pesky little critters that are riddled with potential diseases, but that's not the case for some cultures. In places like China, India, and Japan, there are many legends and stories told around white rats and their good luck. So if you ever come across one, instead of saying, "Ew!" you might want to think about if it's bringing you fortune instead.
20. White Elephants
As powerful symbols of protection and luck, white elephants are very rare, which make them even luckier if you manage to see one in person. With their majestic presence, these beautiful creatures are commonly made into figurines and placed in homes in hopes of bringing their positive energy with them.
