What are good luck charms?

What is Good Luck and how can you attract this into your life? This is the question I will answer.

What are good luck charms?

There are many good luck charms. When I was going through my final university exams twenty years ago I was totally obsessed with increasing my luck. I have, therefore, written 30 ways in which you can (hopefully) increase your luck through symbols and charms. Some of these ideas might yield great fortune, some might not. It is worth giving them a try. The other key ingredient with increasing your luck is to make sure you have a positive attitude of course.

What is Good Luck?

Over the years, many different theorists have tried to explain what good luck really is. Some people think that our fate as being determined by God or the universe. Ever heard of these sayings:

• See a penny pick it up all day long you will have good luck.
• Third time lucky.
• Luck is in the eye of the beholder.
• Are you pushing your luck?
• Good luck starts at home
• Unlucky in love

A professor known as Lysann Damisch of the University of Cologne did research into the “superstitions” of athletes. He looked at not only luck but also confidence. He looked at if lucky charms helped Michael Jordon perform better. The result was that good luck charms create us feeling more confident. Also, what’s the history behind good luck? According to my research, some good luck charms originate from religion, legends, myths, superstitions, and folklore. Historically, most good luck symbols were put in place to protect people from the evil eye. If you have never heard of the evil eye, it’s considered that “people” can look in a certain way at another person and this causes harm.

What is the difference between a Good Luck Charm and an Amulet?

A charm is an object that has a “magical” power which is supposed to influence the universe into giving us luck. Some good luck charms are eaten or worn. An amulet, on the other hand, is often called a good luck charm but they are normally worn to protect against bad luck. No matter if it is decorating your bedroom with elephant wallpaper or carrying acorns to attract well-being, there are many symbols for attracting luck and of course, different ways to use them.

Other good luck symbols, on the other hand, were used to boost one's fertility or lure the good fortune. Let’s review the most popular good luck charms.

What is the good luck charm around bags?

According to old folklore to place, your bag and wallet on the floor is "disrespecting your money" I did not know this until a friend told me when I was 40 years old. As I always (use to!) put my bag on the floor! This superstition originated from Feng Shui and if you have a purse on the floor then it is suppose to imply your money will go out the door!

Why is a horseshoe a good luck charm?

Buying a horseshoe and placing this above your door is supposed to attract luck. Horseshoes are one of the most popular good luck charms across the world. Horseshoes have been hung above the door many countries to protect against evil. However, it’s also very popular in the USA. People view this symbol as a good luck charm. It’s believed that if you hand this symbol on your door, it will attract luck into your house or workplace and provide protection against evil and negativity. However, some people disagree about hanging it for attracting luck. It’s said that it needs to be face up in order to attract good luck, while others claim that it should face down to lure good luck. But where does it all come from? Horseshoes were first mentioned in a story about a blacksmith monk in 1871 when a book was written by Edward G Flight entitled “The True Legend of St Dunstan and the Devil. Legend stated that Dunstan asked a man to make some horseshoes but noticed that the man’s shoes were cloven-hoofed (like a horse) in fact it was the devil so it out the nails in the soft center to cause agony for the devil. The horseshoe is supposed to “protect” and bring good luck. This symbol is popular in different cultures and religions including Egyptian and Islam.

Why is a rabbit foot a good luck charm?

A worldwide popular symbol that you may have heard of is the Rabbit’s foot. To buy one and carry it on your person is super lucky. It stands for luck, health, and well-being. Countries such as China, Spain, and England acknowledge and accept this item as their lucky charm. It originates from the Celtics. Allegedly, they believed that rabbits have the ability to talk to God since they reside so deep underground. In North America, on the other hand, a rabbit must be killed on a new moon in a graveyard in order to attract good luck. I have no idea how killing rabbits lures luck, but there you go.

Why are acrons a good luck charm?

Keep an acorn in your wallet or handbag. The Egyptians considered acorns lucky and often buried the dead with one in their hand. Acorns have long been connected to witches and magic. Allegedly, witches would pass them to each other when entering the woods for recognition of their witchy status. This was the perfect way that witches would reveal themselves as being a witch - and feel more comfortable in each other’s presence.

In Welsh folklore, the acorn symbol is connected to protecting one’s health. It’s believed that if you carry an acorn, you’ll be protected from viruses, diseases, and other physical or emotional pains. Also, if you’re particular sick, it’s believed that acorns have the “power” to boost one's healing process and help you overcome the sickness.

Why are black cats a good luck charm?

If you see a black cat then pet it! Cats are considered good luck. And, having cats around you is super lucky. Pets cats can be comforting and also bring good fortune. An old saying from welsh folklore is “that a black cat crossing your path is good luck.” Black is connected to rebirth and control.

Why are fish a good luck charm?

Go and cook yourself some Carp it is super lucky! Carp is a lovely fish to eat, but in old folklore it’s scales are a luck symbol that will attract luck in your life. Normally eaten at Christmas carp is associated with good luck. This belief is very common in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Also, it’s believed that in order to attract good luck in your family, you need to keep the carp in your bathtub until the time comes when you have to prepare it as a meal for your family. I honestly don’t know how killing something innocent can help you attract good luck but it’s what people actually believe that works. I forgot to mention that after you eat it, you need to hide a few scales in your wallet to attract money. Folks, if you’re a lazy ass, just let the fish do the job for you.

Why is a Cornicello a good luck charm? 

To try to gain more luck think about wearing a lucky charm. The Cornicello is an Italian horn that has been used since the Egyptian times to keep one protected from the evil eye. It was believed that pregnant women and nursing mothers need to wear the “horn” it in order to attract good luck or stay protected from evil spirits and negative influence. Also, it’s believed that the horn attracts love and happiness in marriage. I personally don’t believe in this because you cannot force someone to love you in my view. However, I understand people who desperately look for ways that will keep their marriage going instead of putting an end to it and finding someone new and worthy and the horn is normally worn to keep a marriage on even keel.

Why is a dala horse a good luck charm?

Purchase a dala horse so you can place this near the entrance of your house. Dalecarlin often referred to as Dala horse was carved centuries ago as a Swedish pastime. Back in time, this animal was considered sacred. Swedish people would carve horses and decorate their homes with horse figurines. Today, the charm of this animal is still considered as a stroke of good luck if you wear this as a necklace. It’s a common belief that horses symbolize dignity, pride, strength and attract good luck all around the world.

What is a dreamcatcher?

A few months ago, my friend bought me a dream catcher for my birthday, which is hung up above my bed. That’s when I first started pondering over the meaning of this symbol. Dream catchers can come in different colors and are a nice decoration. However, it is really a good luck charm? Why is it called “dream catcher”. According to my research, dream catchers come from Native Americans who believed that they can help you with nightmares and sleeping issues.

The dreamcatcher has long been a Native American concept, this is simply a net that is wrapped around a frame and decorated with feathers and beads. It is placed above the sleeping person's bed. Although there are many theories about how the dream-catcher works, the general idea is that it catches bad dreams and then evaporates with the first rays of the sun. The good dreams drift down to the sleeping person below. Dream-catchers have a central hole that allows bad dreams to cape and stores the good dreams in the net.

Today, we use pills to deal with insomnia. However, back in ancient times, Native Americans believed that having a dream catcher by your side while you sleep can help you trap your nightmares and boost pleasant dreams - while chasing away the bad ones. According to the legend, at sunrise, the nightmares caught in the dream catcher will dissolve because they cannot withstand daylight. This practice is associated with the Spider Woman, a children's caretaker from Ojibwa legend also known as the Asibikaashi. The Elephant Is A Good Luck Symbol

Do you wonder why elephants are sometimes placed in a row in shops, hair salons, and other new-open businesses? Well, It’s believed that this animal attracts luck in Asia and Thailand and basically, all over the world. It’s believed that elephants symbolize wisdom, stability, longevity, power, strength, understanding, and finally great success.

Many people believe that hanging an “elephant symbol” on your front door will attract good luck into your home, workplace, or shop. It’s often believed that the elephant’s trunk specifically attracts attract good luck. If it’s down, it’s believed that it lures bad luck and misfortune. However, it’s also said that if the trunk faces the ground, it will attract good luck not just for the owner but other people including their friends and family as well.

What decorations should I put on my dreamcatcher?

• You can choose a special animal as your guides in the dream world, such as a cat, dragon or eagle, or any other animal that means something to you.
• Slips of cards with titles from previous dreams such as magical wooden bowls or shops full of black-and-white cats.
• It is important to have fun creating your dream catcher and to make it personal and unique to you. It doesn't matter how artistic the final result may be, it will still exude great energy.
• Shells, feathers beads or crystals
• ​​​Tiny objects that represent loved ones

Why are four-leaf clovers good luck?

As a child, I was told that discovering a four-leaf clover in the grass will bring me good luck, fortune, and love. However, the chance of finding it is 1 in 10,000 which is why people consider it lucky. It’s believed that each side stands for different things including love, luck, hope, and faith. If you find a four-leaf clover, you will probably have a lucky time in life. So go out to a field and try to find a four-leaf clover.

I forgot to mention that there’s a legend associated with this symbol. Allegedly, the famous Eve found a four-leaf clover and took it with her on Earth after being chased away from the Garden of Eden in order to have something to remind her of Heaven. However, there was nothing in the bible about this. The number four is associated with masculinity and people associate it with the four sides of Jesus’s cross. I have written a separate article on the four -eaf clover which you can find here.

What is gris-gris?

Although this symbol originates from Ghana it’s spread to all parts of the world - including North America. In the 50s it was introduced in Louisiana as a symbol that attracts good luck and keeps evil away. In North America, Gris Gris is used for different things including attracting money, love, maintaining good well-being, and they can be worn to put an end to gossip. At first, they were presented as images or dolls of gods but as time passed by, they evolved into tiny bags containing the 4 elements of life: water, incense, salt, and fire. The fire was replaced by a candle. Also, components must have strange numbers but they should not go beyond 13. In hoodoo they are called mojo bags. Normally, you can carry out a spell and hold the bag under your hand or on your person to attract great luck.

Why is the Hamsa Hand good luck?

Khamsa is also known as Hamsa Hand is popular in both Muslim and Jewish communities. It symbolizes luck and abundance. Amazon sell loads of them as charms and you can wear it with the hand facing down or up. It’s believed that this symbol can protect people from evil, negativity and attract happiness into the life of the owner. But the charm is dependent on community and culture, the hand symbolizes different things. For example, the name of the symbol stands for number 5 in Hebrew. It’s believed that it represents the 5 books of the Torah while in Islam culture, it stands for the 5 Pillars of Islam. The eye in the middle of the hand means that nothing can slip your sight because you see it all.

Why is Jin Chan good luck?

Jin Chan is a popular Feng Shui good luck symbol often referred to as “Golden Toad”. It’s super popular in China and considered a symbol of success and great luck. Apparently, frogs appear during a full moon and bring fortune and protect against evil. However, a three-legged frog in a pile of money with a coin in its mouth originated from Chinese legends. According to legends, God met a fog that he wanted to save. However, the frog turned into a woman who helped him develop into a God. God then used the frog's great power and consequently become a symbol of good luck and love.

Why are keys considered good luck?

It is believed to place a set of keys under the doormat to show that your doors always open and to attract communication. I would recommend fake keys (not your actual doorkey). Keys are a symbol of liberation and fortune all across the world. Keys are used in ceremonies and societies. For example, the Pope in the Catholic faith uses a “2 diagonally crossed keys”, one gold signifying the great power of Heaven and God and the other silver representing the spiritual authority of the Pope.

Also, there is a Jewish legend that if you give a pregnant woman at birth a key will help her “unlock” her child and ensure a less painful and safe birth. Today, people associate keys with freedom and door openings. However, it is also popular to give a key to someone you’re romantically involved with. This symbolizes an open heart.

Why is the Smiling Buddha a good luck charm?

In my garden, I always have the budda in the back right-hand corner. This is to attract wealth. The sculpture of Buddha laughing is popular all around the world. However, it’s most popular in Thailand and India. Apparently, this symbol stands for abundance and happiness because it’s never unhappy, and therefore, it attracts smiling and success. That is why most people bring this sculpture into their home or workplace. An interesting belief is that rubbing the Laughing Buddha’s belly is what attracts happiness in the first place. Some people believe that the actual statue of laughing Buddha has five kids surrounding him.

Is Maneki Neko a good luck charm?

Yes, this is a good luck charm. I have this little golden cat in the corner (north-facing) side of my bedroom to attract wealth. Neko stands for “cat” in Japanese and Maneki represents “beckoning”. This statue is best-known for its waving paw. If the cat’s left paw is raised, it’s believed that the statue will attract good luck, customers and business success. However, if the other paw is raised, people believe that the cat statue will attract prosperity and money. It comes in different colors and symbolizes different things in different cultures.

Is Mano Figa a good luck charm?

Yes, When I was trying for a baby I had this symbol on a necklace and wore this until I became pregnant. This symbol originated in Italy. However, it’s most popular in Peru and Brazil. It is believed that this lucky charm boosts fertility but other cultures have different meanings of this symbol and connect all different things with it. It’s usually used as an amulet against evil in Christianity. It’s believed that Mano Figa has the power to distract the Devil, Satan, Lucifer, and other evil forces from taking over your being.

Are milagros good luck?

Yes, any piece of jewelry that has crosses on is lucky. Milagros stands for “miracles” in Spanish. It represents tiny lucky charms portraying crosses, legs, arms, and crosses. Usually, these things are nailed to a cross or some other religious item. Some people carry Milagros in their pocket to attract luck.

How can you stop bad luck?

To stop bad luck make sure you display the evil eye. I have this in my car in order to remove bad luck. Also known as the evil eye, Nazar represents a lucky charm, amulet or symbol for protection against evil people with bad intentions. This symbol originated in Turkey and the surrounding states. However, it has no religious importance, unlike other good luck charms. That is why it’s so popular in different countries around the world. I find it mystical and elegant. It is often sold as a blue jewel with an eye in the middle.

Are french dolls good luck?

I don't have one of these anymore but I did when I was growing up as it denoted good luck. They are little French dolls that originated in 1913 and are the colors of the French flag: blue, white and red. The symbol represents Parisian yarn dolls associated with different origin stories. Some of them began during the WW1. Rintintin was the female doll while the Nenette was the male doll. They were given to soldiers for attracting good luck or worn by women in Paris in order to attract protection during the war. It’s believed that breaking this doll (male or female) attracts bad luck. Also, you should never purchase this symbol but get it as a gift from someone. Otherwise, it will lose its protective power and will no longer lure the luck.

Is seeing a pig good luck?

Yes, pigs are super lucky. I have a few pig pictures in my kitchen to gain a bit of luck. “Glücksschwein” stands for “lucky pig” in German. In this country, it’s believed that pigs attract luck and boost fertility. If you ever visit Germany, you will notice pigs on thank you cards and best wishes cards in the period around New Year. You can also notice pig candy and treats all around Northern Europe. It’s a common belief that pigs attract wealth too. You can notice this by the famous piggy bank we all know.

Are pysanka eggs lucky?

Pysanka eggs are very lucky. I ordered a pystanka in order to put this in my lucky corner. Since I have had this it has yielded luck. A Prysanka represents an Ukrainian Easter egg embellished with beautiful designs using a wax-resistant practice. It’s said that eggs decorated in this way symbolize wealth, love, fertility, and health. They’re most popular in Ukraine where people have been decorating them for years. However, over time, their décor has transformed in a better way and they are simply studding. Adding a cross and fish symbolizes Christianity. Did you know that the fish symbol can indicate a fruitful catch? This occurred when people started associating fish with Jesus Christ, the fisher of people.

Is a scarab beetle good luck?

I have not got this as a charm but I have heard that it brings great things if you have this symbol in your house. An interesting fact that amazed me is that the scarab beetle has been considered as a lucky charm since 2345 B.C. How cool is that? It stands for eternal life, new creation, and luck. However, people usually linked it to Khepri, the Egyptian God of the Rising Sun. It originated in Ancient Egypt and was associated with the sun’s spinning across the sky. A mind-blowing fact you didn’t know about these beetles is that they lay eggs inside the bodies of dead people. Egyptians thought that life starts with death because of this!

Did you know tumi is good luck?

This can be worn as a piece of jewelry or can be hang on the wall. A Tumi represents an ornate ax. It was often used in rituals such as religious sacrifices. However, today, it’s the national symbol of Peru. Historically speaking, priests used this symbol to cut off hearts of Llama as a sacrifice for the sun priest in order to help predict the future. The tumi was also used for trepanation, an ancient type of surgery. It involved taking out a piece of your skull. However, today, except for being the national symbol, most people hang it on their walls because they believe that it attracts wealth and luck.

Did you know that worry dolls bring luck?

Buy or make yourself a worry doll to encourage luck while you sleep. If you can’t beat insomnia or just need some lucky ideas in your dreams, buy a worry doll. If you have never heard of this symbol before, it’s known for solving sleep issues. If you have trouble sleeping, legend has it that keeping dolls by your bed can help you sleep calm and eliminate nightmares. The worry doll concept originates from Guatemala and make a fab gift for people with anxiety.

In the past, worry dolls made a nice gift idea for children. They were told to believe that worry dolls can protect them from nightmares and prevent pleasant dreams. A popular way of using a worry doll with a child is holding the doll while sharing your thoughts and troubles. It was believed that a worry doll has the power of attracting worries and giving you peace of mind before going to sleep. However, some people believed that in order for this to work, you have to have a different worry doll for different worries.

Are coins lucky?

I do feel leaving a coin on the floor for someone else to pick up is suppose to be lucky. I mentioned this rhyme in the opening paragraph “see a penny pick it up all day long you have good luck.” Strangely the rhyme originally features pins not pennies. This is because pins were thought to remove any spells that a witch might have cast. Pins were used in hexes against witches and it was believed a pin could reverse the effects of a spell. This superstition was popular in America and it was believed the “quarters” rather than pennies found on the floor is a token of luck from the universe.

Coins are considered lucky all around the world. If you leave a coin on the streets, you will end up feeling miserable and very unhappy according to legend. This is a popular superstition that many people find accurate and truthful. However, you need to pay attention to the coin before you pick it up. If it’s faced down, some people believe that it’s better to leave it on the streets. If it’s damaged or has holes in it, you will experience great happiness and luck. Once you find a lucky coin, it’s recommended that you hang it around your neck or put it in your pocket.

Why are triangles lucky?

Plant some flowers in the shape of a triangle in the garden to attract luck. Triangles represent the most powerful form of structure. Ancient religions practitioners believe that a triangle is a mystical and strong structure. It’s believed that triangles symbolize the cycle of life including birth, development, and death.

Also, it’s believed that triangles represent the connection we have with gods since it has an ideal shape. Ancient Egyptians believe that triangles attract good luck. That’s why they used this structure to create their pyramids. It’s believed that those who made the pyramids combined four triangles to indicate the unity of heavenly and earthly forces.

Are wheels good luck?

Buy a circle-shaped keyring in order to attract better luck. Wheels symbolize good luck and eternity in many cultures. Did you know that the Indian flag contains the Buddha’s Wheel of Life? Allegedly, Buddha drew a wheel with rice to teach people that everything is just a perfect unbreakable cycle of causes and effects moving one after the other like the moving of a wheel. There was a superstition in Scotland that stated that if you carry a wheel around with you on your keyring you will be lucky.

What are lucky numbers?

Try to find a number that gives you luck. Audrey Hepburn who was the iconic screen legend was obsessed with the number 55. She always requested the number 55 as her room and considered this her lucky number. The way to do this is to write number 1-100 on paper. With the pen, hover this over the paper, close your eyes and you will naturally pick a number. This is your lucky number!  Any method of divination from throwing coins or sticks which help you tap into the spiritual world.

What foods bring good luck?

There are some people who believe that they have lucky goods and often eat them before an exam or a big event. The welsh had to eat certain herbs on their holidays to bring luck. In some parts of Mexico, certain alcoholic drinks are drunk in order to encourage luck. Scared foods such as red wine are used as the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion. This is symbolic.

Summary of good luck charms

I hope that some of these “tactics” will help you bring luck. Luck is all around us and for decades there have been specific ways in which we can increase our luck. Most of us believe that some people are luckier than others. I do feel that we have to control our own luck through (as I have said before) positive thinking but also divination and lucky charms. There has been much scientific research on how people can increase their luck.