Good luck symbols have been used for thousands of years to promote fortune and create reassurance all over the world. Whether for wealth, health or happiness, there are many different symbols from plants to animals and more that are culturally believed to influence the prosperity of the lives of those who use them. From charms to good luck animals here are some of the best known around the globe.
Dream Catchers
In America, the dreamcatcher which originates in native America is seen as an aid for those who have difficulty getting to sleep. It is said that if you have nightmares, the dreamcatcher can trap them whilst letting good dreams into your head. It brings good luck, and at sunrise, the negative dreams dissolve as they cannot survive the daylight. They are seen to protect children and even adults overnight.
Elephants
The elephant is one of the largest and most majestic animals, and they are used as a good luck charm originating in Asia, specifically in Thailand and India. Elephants are often placed in statue form in the doorways to shops as it is believed this will bring good customers and much profitability. In the home people face elephants towards the door to encourage good luck in. it is crucial that you do not face the elephant towards any door that leads out of the property, but they must always point in. Any statue of an elephant used for good luck must feature the trunk facing upwards as many believe a downward-facing trunk encourages terrible luck. Other people however disagree and believe the chunk facing down means that any good luck and fortune is passed to everyone, not just the person who owns the elephant.
Horseshoes
Another good luck charm that is associated with the United States of America is the horseshoe. We can also see horseshoes in ancient Egyptian and Islamic art. It is believed that you should hang a horseshoe over your front door as this will offer protection to the home and everyone in it while bringing good fortune and luck. There is some argument over which way you should mount the horseshoe, however. Some believe it must face with the opening upwards so that much like a bucket it can contain good luck. Others insist it must be mounted facing down so that anything in the horseshoe can pour out and benefit everybody spreading the luck around to anyone who passes through the doorway.
Worry Dolls
Originating in Guatemala worry dolls are also an aid to bringing good fortune and sleep. Tiny dolls made from string in colourful combinations are placed under the pillow of someone who cannot sleep or who suffers from anxiety around bedtime. As they fall asleep, they can place their hand over the dolls and tell them their troubles. Each doll can hold a single problem so they are often produced in little groups of four or five and placed in a small cotton bag so that all of your troubles can be told to the dolls and taken away. This is primarily aimed at children, but adults have benefited from this tradition too.
Dala Horse
In Sweden a Dlaa horse is carved from wood and painted to create a colourful horse figurine. It is a symbol of good luck, and generally, you are encouraged to buy them unpainted and finish them with the artwork yourself. Traditionally they will be painted in colours of red, white and green and not only do they encourage luck to come your way, but they also offer the owner strength.
Hamsa
The hamsa hand comes from both Muslim and Jewish communities and offers good luck and protection. It can be worn either with the hand facing up or facing down and brings protection from negative energies and bestows happiness on the owner. In Islam, each of the fingers on the hand represents the five pillars of Islam, and the all-seeing eye in the middle watches out for the owner. In Hebrew, the hamsa title is the number five and references five books of the Torah, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
The Laughing Buddha
There are many different depictions of Buddha, and the laughing Buddha is synonymous with India and Thailand. Because he is never unhappy, he symbolises abundance and happiness. Just by looking at him, the owner can feel merriment and encourage good luck into their home. Some people believe that you need to rub the stomach of the Buddha each day to remain positive. He is often placed in homes to generate positivity and store good luck for all that might live there or visit. It is undoubtedly a cheerful symbol to have and remains popular and has spread to many countries worldwide. Depending on what he is holding depends on what fortune he can bring you.
