Since time immemorial, human beings have surrounded ourselves with symbols of good luck, as many of us believe that with them we protect ourselves from all kinds of negative influences. This in turn is based on the belief that luck is a birthright that favors only a few. Therefore, incorporating these symbols into our daily lives can affect our attitude towards life, because we do not feel more positive and fortunate.
Of course, while many don’t believe in luck, it wouldn’t hurt to feel a little luckier. If you are one of those people who wants to experience a bit of luck, we invite you to learn about some symbols of good luck that are popular around the world and the meaning attributed to them. So if you don’t have a favorite lucky charm yet, you might be inspired by one of them.
1. Four Leaf Clover
There are many varieties of clovers, and even others with a different number of leaves, but the truly lucky ones are the four-leaf clovers from the white clover plant. Which is a plant whose clovers are usually three leaves.
Among the reasons why it is considered one of the most popular symbols of good luck in the world is its rarity. Since four-leaf clovers are a genetic mutation, therefore, the probability of finding a four-leaf clover is one in 10,000.
But its association with luck also comes from Celtic mythology. Those who believed that four-leaf clovers could help them see fairies and avoid their pranks. Something that according to them was a source of bad luck. Each leaf is said to symbolize a positive attribute: One leaf hope, 2 faith, 3 love and 4 leaves luck. But some legends say that: one leaf will bring fame, two leaves will bring wealth, three leaves will bring health, and four will bring faithful love.
2. Acorn
Acorns are cute good luck symbols and also one of the most accessible. So many find it fun to collect many and decorate them with beautiful colors.
The Vikings associated oak trees and acorns with the Norse god, Thor, who to them was the lord of thunder and lightning. According to their beliefs, oak trees attract lightning and thus meant that they were protected from Thor’s wrath. So they used acorn nuts to protect their houses from lightning. But in addition to their association with luck, they are also considered an emblem of prosperity, youth and fertility, as well as representing spiritual growth.
3.Hamsa
This is a very popular symbol of spiritual power, strength, dominance and protection throughout the Middle East and North Africa. It is used as protection against the evil eye and bad luck.
The Hamsa is also known as the Hand of Fatima in reference to the daughter of Muhammad, who was the messenger of God in the Muslim religion. Therefore, symbols of good luck are used in Islam. In it each finger represents an attribute 1) Faith, 2) Prayer, 3) Pilgrimage, 4) Charity, 5) Fasting.
4. Horseshoe
Horseshoes are a symbol to which various legends attribute lucky powers. So it is not surprising that it is used to decorate the door of many homes around the world. One of the legends says that they are lucky because they were made of iron, a material that harmed fairies. Which kept mischievous fairies away from houses that were adorned with them.
It is said that the ends must be pointing upwards so that the horseshoe keeps all the good luck inside the house. Other theories about the magic of this symbol say that its power lies in its horned moon shape. But whatever the background, horseshoes are symbols of good luck that many will want to have close by.
5. Keys
Keys are one of the oldest and most used symbols of good luck in multiple cultures. In some, the keys are considered lucky because they open the doors to success or love. Some have even used them to symbolize entrance through the gates of heaven, while others consider wearing a key as a form of protection.
The ancient Greeks used them as a symbol of knowledge and life, but keys have also been associated with unlocking the door of the heart. So, whoever gives a key to another will be lucky in love. But also, it is said that three keys together allow the user to open the doors of love, health and wealth. On the other hand, a crossed gold and silver key is an emblem of papal authority and translates as «keys to the kingdom of heaven.»
6. Stars
Legend claims that this geometric symbol was designed by Pythagoras to represent perfection. It was also known as the Wizard’s Star in the Middle Ages and was used as an emblem on clothing to represent the mysteries of the Universe. So in ancient times it was believed that the stars determined good luck.
A shooting star is also said to possess a certain type of magic, one that grants you good luck and a flow of positive energy in your life. According to beliefs, anyone lucky enough to witness a shooting star should make a wish.
7. Number 7
The number seven has been considered an auspicious number in many cultures, related to luck, perfection and knowledge.
One reason could be that the number seven has special mathematical properties. The ancient Greeks called 7 “the perfect number”, the sum of 3 (triangle) and 4 (square), which are perfect shapes. But seven is an important number also in other aspects:
- There are 7 days of the week.
- There are 7 colors in the rainbow.
- 7 planets are visible to the naked eye.
- The seventh son of a seventh son is supposed to be especially talented and lucky.
- 7 is a winning roll in many games of chance.
8. Dreamcatcher
Native Americans believe that dreamcatchers effectively ward off evil, thus translating as a symbol of positivity and good luck. Regarded as the symbol of unity among various Indian nations, it is believed to bring healing, good luck and harmony to an individual’s life.
Also read about The Legend of the Dream Catchers
9. Elephants
Elephants are a symbol of love, wealth, health and longevity. But they are also associated with power and wisdom and of course the Hindu god Ganesha. Which is also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka, who is the Hindu god of luck. So it is believed that elephant statues will bring good luck, especially if we place them next to the door. Some also believe that elephant talismans will remove obstacles.
10. Ladybugs
Ladybugs are popular insects around the world and are believed by many cultures to be symbols of good luck. There are those who say that if they enter our garden they will bring good luck, these beautiful insects bring prosperity and good luck.
Similarly, it is believed that if they land on someone and they do not ignore them, their luck will improve. But also, that if a man and a woman see a ladybug at the same time, they will fall in love. But there are ladybugs that are luckier than others, specifically it is believed that the redder their color and the more spots they have, the luckier the person will be. However, be careful with them, as killing a ladybug can bring you bad luck and misfortune.