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Lucky Finds: 7 Symbols Of Good Fortune Around The World
Luck be a lady – or perhaps a cat, a horn or a beetle. These artistic talismans make for eye-catching accessories and conversation pieces – with a touch of mythical meaning
Between stressful world events, unexpected happenings and the typical chaos of our daily lives, we could all use a little luck sometimes – and that’s nothing new. Good luck symbols and charms have been integral to human societies for thousands of years, said to summon all manner of fortuitous forces, from protection to abundance and success. Understanding their history and cultural meaning is essential as we search for a little extra fortune ourselves.
Cornicello
At first sight, some might think this popular amulet is a hot pepper, but it’s actually a twisted horn – and a powerful totem in Italian culture. Its history can be traced back to the Bronze Age, when bovine horns symbolising strength and prosperity were hung outside of doors, believing they would bring fertility and wellbeing. Harnessing the vigour of the colour red, the cornicello protects wearers against negative vibes and the much-feared malocchio – the evil eye, a curse that springs from envy. Strolling the streets of southern Italy, in places like Naples or Sorrento, you might spot cornicelli of different sizes present on keychains or necklaces. Ideally, a cornicello should be gifted, as this gesture gives it more power.
[Product pictured courtesy of The Italian Jewelry Company]
Nazar
From ancient Greece to India, Northern Africa, Asia and beyond, the curse of the evil eye has been part of many cultures for thousands of years. It’s no wonder that all sorts of amulets have sprung up as protection against this potent curse, including the nazar boncuğu in Turkey, where legend has it that compliments or success can involuntarily attract jealousy and negative energy. This popular Turkish charm is traditionally presented as a blue, white and black glass bead, with blue representing the sky and positive energy. Nazars are usually hung in homes, cars or buildings to bring protection, though they may also be worn as jewellery or pinned on a baby’s clothes to ward off negativity.
Mayan Worry Dolls
Known in Spanish as muñequitas quitapenas, these adorable little dolls – usually around one to five centimetres tall – listen as you purge your fears, anxieties and worries before bed. Once you’ve poured your heart out, you tuck them under your pillow and enjoy a deep, stress-free slumber, while the dolls keep your problems for you. Born from the legend of the Mayan princess Ixmucane, who had the gift of solving any human problem, these dolls are generally crafted on a wire frame, feature a cotton face and wear a customary Mayan dress. Look for them in Guatemala and southeastern Mexico.
[Image: Paco Adame/Getty Images]
Maneki-neko
While many believe these cats are waving hello or good-bye, maneki-neko translates as “beckoning cat” – their trademark gesture is the way to beckon someone in Japanese culture. Very cute and super popular, this friendly cat’s origin can be traced back to Tokyo during the Edo period, when a cat is said to have saved ruler Ii Naotaka from a thunderstorm by beckoning him into the Gōtokuji Temple. In return, Ii Naotaka made the cat the temple’s patron. Today, you can spot dozens of maneki-neko at the temple, as well as in thousands of shops and restaurants across the country, thought to attract business, abundance and prosperity.
Hamsa
As one of the oldest talismans in history, the origin of the hamsa can be traced back thousands of years, possibly to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. This open hand is regarded across different cultures and religions as a powerful totem of happiness, health, success and good luck, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. Also known as the Hand of Miriam in Judaism (after Moses and Aaron’s sister) or the Hand of Fatima in Islam (honouring the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed), the hamsa represents a female figure offering protection. Hamsas tend to be intricately designed with delicate sketches or carvings, often containing a depiction of an eye meant to shield the wearer or owner against the evil eye.
[Product pictured courtesy of Karma & Luck]
Milagritos
Produced mainly in tin or wood, these charming, heart-shaped Mexican crafts translate literally to “little miracles”. Colourful and whimsical, they range from the simple (perhaps a heart with a couple of flowers) to the elaborate (boasting animals, natural shapes and religious symbols). It is believed that craftspeople in colonial times began to create milagritos as a form of popular art charged with spiritual meaning, invoking gratitude and protection. Ubiquitous in places like San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca, milagritos can take the shape of altar decorations, mirrors, picture frames and even refrigerator magnets, extending blessings to the home or business where they are displayed.
[Image courtesy of El Corazón de Patzcuaro]
Scarabs
Embedded in ancient Egyptian culture, the scarab portrayed the divine manifestation of Khepri, the god of the early morning sun. Khepri’s name was written with Kheper, the scarab hieroglyph, which symbolises concepts like manifestation, rebirth, growth and existence. Shaped like dung beetles – which were believed to self-generate spontaneously and represent new life – scarabs were used as amulets and seals since the Middle Bronze Age, present in homes, public buildings and tombs, as they protected the mummy’s heart. From simple clay artefacts to ornate versions made with gold and precious stones, scarabs were usually engraved on the underside with symbols or inscriptions that granted them even more power.
[Products pictured courtesy of Ancient & Oriental Antiquities]
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