Lucky Bugs?
1. Crickets
A Cricket on the hearth has been a sign of household luck for thousands of years.
This belief could stem from prehistoric times, when a Cricket's chirping provided a kind of companionship.
In China and other Asian countries, the cricket served as a watchdog: at any sign of danger, the chirping will stop. In the Far East as well as across Europe, it is considered very bad luck to kill a cricket, even by accident.
Almost every Native American tribe believed the Cricket, a bringer of luck, and they thought that imitating it's chirp was disrespectful.
Images of Crickets appear on charms and amulets, particularly those intended to ward off the evil eye, in ancient cultures of the Middle East and Europe.
2. Ladybugs
The Ladybug is considered a harbinger of good luck and prosperity. It shall free you from day to day problems. Wearing a Ladybug amulet or having a live one land on you will brighten your day, give you patience with those around you, and most importantly, lessen your burdens.
Killing a Ladybug is considered bad luck.
If one lands on you when you are ill, it takes any illness away.
If a Ladybug lands on your hand and then flies away, it said to be good weather on the following Sunday.
Spots: If a Ladybug lands on the hand of a recently married woman, the number of dots on its back, is the number of children she will have. The number of spots on a Ladybug can also indicate the number of happy months that are ahead. And, folklore also suggests, if you catch a Ladybug in your home, count the number of spots, that's how many dollars you'll soon find.
3. Dragonflies
Dragonflies are another lucky insect.
As a creature of the wind, the dragonfly represents change. As a creature of the water, they represent the subconscious, or "dream" state.
Other symbolic meanings associated with dragonflies, are prosperity, strength, courage, peace, harmony and purity.
4. Scarabs
Scarabs date back to Ancient Egypt, when Scarabs were considered good luck beetles.
As a symbol of the rising sun and a protector from evil; the Scarab, is also a symbol of rebirth, regeneration and transformation.
A Cricket on the hearth has been a sign of household luck for thousands of years.
This belief could stem from prehistoric times, when a Cricket's chirping provided a kind of companionship.
In China and other Asian countries, the cricket served as a watchdog: at any sign of danger, the chirping will stop. In the Far East as well as across Europe, it is considered very bad luck to kill a cricket, even by accident.
Almost every Native American tribe believed the Cricket, a bringer of luck, and they thought that imitating it's chirp was disrespectful.
Images of Crickets appear on charms and amulets, particularly those intended to ward off the evil eye, in ancient cultures of the Middle East and Europe.
2. Ladybugs
The Ladybug is considered a harbinger of good luck and prosperity. It shall free you from day to day problems. Wearing a Ladybug amulet or having a live one land on you will brighten your day, give you patience with those around you, and most importantly, lessen your burdens.
Killing a Ladybug is considered bad luck.
If one lands on you when you are ill, it takes any illness away.
If a Ladybug lands on your hand and then flies away, it said to be good weather on the following Sunday.
Spots: If a Ladybug lands on the hand of a recently married woman, the number of dots on its back, is the number of children she will have. The number of spots on a Ladybug can also indicate the number of happy months that are ahead. And, folklore also suggests, if you catch a Ladybug in your home, count the number of spots, that's how many dollars you'll soon find.
3. Dragonflies
Dragonflies are another lucky insect.
As a creature of the wind, the dragonfly represents change. As a creature of the water, they represent the subconscious, or "dream" state.
Other symbolic meanings associated with dragonflies, are prosperity, strength, courage, peace, harmony and purity.
4. Scarabs
Scarabs date back to Ancient Egypt, when Scarabs were considered good luck beetles.
As a symbol of the rising sun and a protector from evil; the Scarab, is also a symbol of rebirth, regeneration and transformation.
Nature's Good Luck Signs
Ancient Folklore
5. Acorns
In Norse folklore, both the Acorn and its bearer, the oak tree, bring good fortune.
The Vikings associated oak trees with Thor, the god who created thunder and lightning with his great anvil and hammer. Because the tree attracted lightning, it was sacred to Thor. Thus they believed that the Acorn, the fruit of the oak tree, was always spared the god's wrath, and so they began putting a lone Acorn on their windowsills to protect their houses from lightning's wrath.
6. Rainbows
Rainbows are considered lucky, because we all know, if we find the end of the Rainbow, there will be a pot of gold.
7. Eggs
In traditional folk religion, the Egg is a powerful symbol of fertility, purity and rebirth.
It is used in magical rituals to promote fertility and restore virility; to look into the future, to bring good weather, encourage the growth of crops and protect both cattle and children against misfortune, and ward off the evil eye.
In England, a gift of a white Egg is considered lucky, but a brown Egg, not only brings luck, but happiness as well. -(The Encyclopedia of Religion, 1987, p.37,"Egg")
In Norse folklore, both the Acorn and its bearer, the oak tree, bring good fortune.
The Vikings associated oak trees with Thor, the god who created thunder and lightning with his great anvil and hammer. Because the tree attracted lightning, it was sacred to Thor. Thus they believed that the Acorn, the fruit of the oak tree, was always spared the god's wrath, and so they began putting a lone Acorn on their windowsills to protect their houses from lightning's wrath.
6. Rainbows
Rainbows are considered lucky, because we all know, if we find the end of the Rainbow, there will be a pot of gold.
7. Eggs
In traditional folk religion, the Egg is a powerful symbol of fertility, purity and rebirth.
It is used in magical rituals to promote fertility and restore virility; to look into the future, to bring good weather, encourage the growth of crops and protect both cattle and children against misfortune, and ward off the evil eye.
In England, a gift of a white Egg is considered lucky, but a brown Egg, not only brings luck, but happiness as well. -(The Encyclopedia of Religion, 1987, p.37,"Egg")
Lucky Animal Totems
Sacred Animals
8. Dolphins
Dolphins are considered lucky in many different cultures, including the Ancient cultures of Greece, Sumer, Egypt, and Rome.
For Christians and Native Americans, the Dolphin is a symbol of protection, and its image is said to bring good luck. The belief stems from the fact that ancient sailors who spent months or even years out of sight of land, found the sight of Dolphins swimming around their ships to be the first sign that land was near.
9. Pigs
German-natives have a saying "Schwein gehabt (had Pig)" which literally means "Good Luck is at Hand".
Good Luck tokens in the shape of Pigs are believed to bring Good Luck, as they are a Symbol of Wealth, Good Fortune & Prosperity.
Among the Chinese and the Europeans, charms in the shape of Pigs, are believed to have the power to bring Good Luck, as they are a symbol of riches and wealth.
The Pig in Chinese mythology is a symbol of honesty, tolerance, initiative and diligence.
10. Tortoises
Tortoises are considered a good luck symbol in Feng-Shui decorating. They are also one of the 4 sacred animals (among the Dragon, Unicorn, and Phoenix)
11. Turtles
Turtles are believed to have Power over all kinds of Bad Magic.
A Turtle symbolizes the primal mother and Mother Earth. Turtles are also said to symbolize Longevity and one's Hope and Wish for a long life.
Turtles are said to be a link between heaven and earth which made them a natural for use in divination.
12. Elephants
Due to its long life, Elephants are a Symbol of overcoming death.
Elephants are good luck in Feng Shui and the Ganeshsa is the Hindu God of Luck.
Elephant figurines placed on shelves or by doorways are said to ensure longevity and luck.
Elephants are a Symbol of Wisdom, Power, Loyalty, Intelligence, Strength and Solitude.
13. Red Bats
In China, Red Bats are symbols of long life, and amulets are worn as lucky charms to bring happiness.
The red bat is thought to ward of evil. Five red bats can also represent the "five good fortunes" of health, longevity, love, wealth and virtue.
14. Tigers
Tigers are considered lucky in Chinese astrology.
The Tiger is also considered a protector against certain evils, including theft and fire.
15.Frogs
The Frog has been a symbol of prosperity, wealth, friendship and abundance in many cultures and a symbol of fertility in others.
In the Native American culture of the Southwest, the Frog carries a piece of wood in its mouth, because the Mojave people believe Frogs brought fire to humans.
For the Romans, the Frog was a mascot believed to bring Good Luck to one's home.
The native Aborigines of Australia, believed that Frogs brought the thunder and rain, to help the plants to grow.
Frogs are also said to be effective in speeding up recovery from disease.
Among the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, Frogs symbolized inspiration and fertility.
In Egypt, Hekt, the Frog goddess, protected new-born babies, hence Frogs are symbols of fertility and birth.
The Frog is also said to attract true friends and to help you find long-lasting love.
Some parts of Animals are also thought to be Lucky...
16. A Rabbit's Foot The hind foot of a rabbit been a good luck symbol for the common man for ages.
Because of the rabbit's reputation in procreation, it is said to enhance the chances of the wearer to become a parent. When the rabbit's foot is worn by a man, he shall sire a child. When worn by a woman, she will become pregnant.
(and)
17. Alligator Teeth are said to bring luck to gamblers in Africa.
Dolphins are considered lucky in many different cultures, including the Ancient cultures of Greece, Sumer, Egypt, and Rome.
For Christians and Native Americans, the Dolphin is a symbol of protection, and its image is said to bring good luck. The belief stems from the fact that ancient sailors who spent months or even years out of sight of land, found the sight of Dolphins swimming around their ships to be the first sign that land was near.
9. Pigs
German-natives have a saying "Schwein gehabt (had Pig)" which literally means "Good Luck is at Hand".
Good Luck tokens in the shape of Pigs are believed to bring Good Luck, as they are a Symbol of Wealth, Good Fortune & Prosperity.
Among the Chinese and the Europeans, charms in the shape of Pigs, are believed to have the power to bring Good Luck, as they are a symbol of riches and wealth.
The Pig in Chinese mythology is a symbol of honesty, tolerance, initiative and diligence.
10. Tortoises
Tortoises are considered a good luck symbol in Feng-Shui decorating. They are also one of the 4 sacred animals (among the Dragon, Unicorn, and Phoenix)
11. Turtles
Turtles are believed to have Power over all kinds of Bad Magic.
A Turtle symbolizes the primal mother and Mother Earth. Turtles are also said to symbolize Longevity and one's Hope and Wish for a long life.
Turtles are said to be a link between heaven and earth which made them a natural for use in divination.
12. Elephants
Due to its long life, Elephants are a Symbol of overcoming death.
Elephants are good luck in Feng Shui and the Ganeshsa is the Hindu God of Luck.
Elephant figurines placed on shelves or by doorways are said to ensure longevity and luck.
Elephants are a Symbol of Wisdom, Power, Loyalty, Intelligence, Strength and Solitude.
13. Red Bats
In China, Red Bats are symbols of long life, and amulets are worn as lucky charms to bring happiness.
The red bat is thought to ward of evil. Five red bats can also represent the "five good fortunes" of health, longevity, love, wealth and virtue.
14. Tigers
Tigers are considered lucky in Chinese astrology.
The Tiger is also considered a protector against certain evils, including theft and fire.
15.Frogs
The Frog has been a symbol of prosperity, wealth, friendship and abundance in many cultures and a symbol of fertility in others.
In the Native American culture of the Southwest, the Frog carries a piece of wood in its mouth, because the Mojave people believe Frogs brought fire to humans.
For the Romans, the Frog was a mascot believed to bring Good Luck to one's home.
The native Aborigines of Australia, believed that Frogs brought the thunder and rain, to help the plants to grow.
Frogs are also said to be effective in speeding up recovery from disease.
Among the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, Frogs symbolized inspiration and fertility.
In Egypt, Hekt, the Frog goddess, protected new-born babies, hence Frogs are symbols of fertility and birth.
The Frog is also said to attract true friends and to help you find long-lasting love.
Some parts of Animals are also thought to be Lucky...
16. A Rabbit's Foot The hind foot of a rabbit been a good luck symbol for the common man for ages.
Because of the rabbit's reputation in procreation, it is said to enhance the chances of the wearer to become a parent. When the rabbit's foot is worn by a man, he shall sire a child. When worn by a woman, she will become pregnant.
(and)
17. Alligator Teeth are said to bring luck to gamblers in Africa.
Icons Symbolizing Luck
Superstitions and Legends
18. Chimney Sweeps
A Chimney Sweep is a sign of good luck, wealth and happiness.
The Chimney Sweep is said to be "the ultimate bringer of good luck".
One legend from old England says that one day King George was riding his horse in a royal procession, when a dog suddenly ran from the crowd, barking and nipping at the King's horse. The horse reared, and to the horror of the crowd, almost threw the King! A lone figure, dressed in rags and filthy, stepped into the road, caught the horse's halter and calmed the animal; a chimney sweep had saved the King!
19. Buddha
A Buddha charm or statue is thought of as being lucky, especially if you rub the Buddha's belly.
20.Kachinas
The Pueblo, Hopi and Zuni nations of the American Southwest, place great faith in the luck-bringing properties of these dolls.
Kachinas represent native spirits and each is dressed in elaborate costume. Although regularly used in tribal ceremonies, these dolls, are also used as playthings by children and displayed in homes as well as in sacred places. It is believed that by making the spirit represented by the doll a member of the family group, luck will come to that family in the form of good harvests and protection from natural disasters.
21. Saint Christopher
As the patron saint of travelers.
It is common for Catholics to have a Saint Christopher cross in their car.
A Chimney Sweep is a sign of good luck, wealth and happiness.
The Chimney Sweep is said to be "the ultimate bringer of good luck".
One legend from old England says that one day King George was riding his horse in a royal procession, when a dog suddenly ran from the crowd, barking and nipping at the King's horse. The horse reared, and to the horror of the crowd, almost threw the King! A lone figure, dressed in rags and filthy, stepped into the road, caught the horse's halter and calmed the animal; a chimney sweep had saved the King!
19. Buddha
A Buddha charm or statue is thought of as being lucky, especially if you rub the Buddha's belly.
20.Kachinas
The Pueblo, Hopi and Zuni nations of the American Southwest, place great faith in the luck-bringing properties of these dolls.
Kachinas represent native spirits and each is dressed in elaborate costume. Although regularly used in tribal ceremonies, these dolls, are also used as playthings by children and displayed in homes as well as in sacred places. It is believed that by making the spirit represented by the doll a member of the family group, luck will come to that family in the form of good harvests and protection from natural disasters.
21. Saint Christopher
As the patron saint of travelers.
It is common for Catholics to have a Saint Christopher cross in their car.
Dreamcatcher
The Legend of the DreamCatcher
Antler Dreamcatcher with Raised Native American and Hanging Feathers
Amazon Price: $20.95 (as of 01/06/2012)
A spider was quietly spinning his web in his own space. It was beside the sleeping space of Nokomis, the grandmother. Each day, Nokomis watched the spider at work, quietly spinning away. One day as she was watching him, her grandson came in. "Nokomis-iya!" he shouted, glancing at the spider. He stomped over to the spider, picked up a shoe and went to hit it. "No-keegwa," the old lady whispered, "don't hurt him."
"Nokomis, why do you protect the spider" asked the little boy. The old lady smiled, but did not answer.
When the boy left, the spider went to the old woman and thanked her for saving his life. He said to her, "For many days you have watched me spin and weave my web. You have admired my work. In return for saving my life, I will give you a gift." He smiled his special spider smile and moved away, spinning as he went. Soon the moon glistened on a magical silvery web moving gently in the window. "See how I spin" he said. "See and learn, for each web will snare bad dreams. Only good dreams will go through the small hole. This is my gift to you. Use it so that only good dreams will be remembered. The bad dreams will become hopelessly entangled in the web."
"Nokomis, why do you protect the spider" asked the little boy. The old lady smiled, but did not answer.
When the boy left, the spider went to the old woman and thanked her for saving his life. He said to her, "For many days you have watched me spin and weave my web. You have admired my work. In return for saving my life, I will give you a gift." He smiled his special spider smile and moved away, spinning as he went. Soon the moon glistened on a magical silvery web moving gently in the window. "See how I spin" he said. "See and learn, for each web will snare bad dreams. Only good dreams will go through the small hole. This is my gift to you. Use it so that only good dreams will be remembered. The bad dreams will become hopelessly entangled in the web."
Lucky Objects
Tokens of Luck
22. Dream Catchers
Dreamcatchers, from Native American culture, are considered good luck, because they catch the negative images from dreams. See The Legend of Nokomis (above)
23. Red Chinese Lanterns
These Lanterns are a symbol of luck in the Chinese culture.
24. Horseshoe
A Horseshoe symbolizes good luck, power of evil, good fortune and fertility.
Horseshoes have associations with the strength and dependability of the horse, and, in an upright position, it is also symbolic of the moon. Pointing downwards, it is symbolic of the womb. To the Greeks, it symbolized the crescent moon which was regarded as a symbol of fertility.
The Horseshoe protects one's house and land, to keep strangers away, when hung up on the wall of a home or above a doorway. The "U" shape will hold good luck inside forever. This tradition may stem from the 10th century Saint Dunstan. He trapped the devil using a Horseshoe and from that point on the devil would never enter a Christian home adorned with a Horseshoe over the door.
Some legends say, that a Horseshoe "'Pointing Up" will gather your Luck, whereas "Pointing Down" it will shower you with Luck.
25. Coins
"See a penny pick it up and all day long you'll have good luck. Leave it there and you'll despair."
Some even take the idea of luck to the other side of the coin, and believe that if the coin is face down that it's best to leave it on the ground. Luckiest of all, are Coins that are bent or have holes in them, especially if they turn up as change after making a purchase. The luck of such Coins is enhanced if they are carried in a left-hand pocket or worn around the neck.
Coins can bring luck in many ways.
- You will have good luck if you keep a jar of pennies in the kitchen.
- The first Coin you receive each day should be placed in an otherwise empty pocket and it will attract more.
- A Coin in a new jacket, handbag, or wallet will bring good luck.
- If you get pennies as change on a Monday, you will have good luck all week long.
- Many people consider it lucky to carry a Coin with their birth date.
- Some say that a Coin minted in a leap year will bring good fortune.
Coins also have a place in Feng Shui, as luck bringers.
READ MORE: http://www.squidoo.com/goodlucksigns
Good luck charms, amulets, etc: http://www.calastrology.com/good-luck-charms.html?gclid=COCvqo-3wK0CFQjd4AodcDA-Ag
Dreamcatchers, from Native American culture, are considered good luck, because they catch the negative images from dreams. See The Legend of Nokomis (above)
23. Red Chinese Lanterns
These Lanterns are a symbol of luck in the Chinese culture.
24. Horseshoe
A Horseshoe symbolizes good luck, power of evil, good fortune and fertility.
Horseshoes have associations with the strength and dependability of the horse, and, in an upright position, it is also symbolic of the moon. Pointing downwards, it is symbolic of the womb. To the Greeks, it symbolized the crescent moon which was regarded as a symbol of fertility.
The Horseshoe protects one's house and land, to keep strangers away, when hung up on the wall of a home or above a doorway. The "U" shape will hold good luck inside forever. This tradition may stem from the 10th century Saint Dunstan. He trapped the devil using a Horseshoe and from that point on the devil would never enter a Christian home adorned with a Horseshoe over the door.
Some legends say, that a Horseshoe "'Pointing Up" will gather your Luck, whereas "Pointing Down" it will shower you with Luck.
25. Coins
"See a penny pick it up and all day long you'll have good luck. Leave it there and you'll despair."
Some even take the idea of luck to the other side of the coin, and believe that if the coin is face down that it's best to leave it on the ground. Luckiest of all, are Coins that are bent or have holes in them, especially if they turn up as change after making a purchase. The luck of such Coins is enhanced if they are carried in a left-hand pocket or worn around the neck.
Coins can bring luck in many ways.
- You will have good luck if you keep a jar of pennies in the kitchen.
- The first Coin you receive each day should be placed in an otherwise empty pocket and it will attract more.
- A Coin in a new jacket, handbag, or wallet will bring good luck.
- If you get pennies as change on a Monday, you will have good luck all week long.
- Many people consider it lucky to carry a Coin with their birth date.
- Some say that a Coin minted in a leap year will bring good fortune.
Coins also have a place in Feng Shui, as luck bringers.
READ MORE: http://www.squidoo.com/goodlucksigns
Good luck charms, amulets, etc: http://www.calastrology.com/good-luck-charms.html?gclid=COCvqo-3wK0CFQjd4AodcDA-Ag
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