
Good luck charms are often worn on the body and can be anything from coins, horseshoes and buttons to small objects given as gifts. Many cultures have their own unique travel charms, often rooted in folklore, mythology, religion, or tradition. For example, in Catholicism, a Saint Christopher pendant is believed to bring good luck when travelling. In India, a Kavacha necklace contains a prayer scroll or water from the Ganges, giving it protective powers. In Thailand and India, an elephant charm is believed to bring abundance, good fortune and strength, but only if the elephant's trunk is raised.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Religious | Saint Christopher pendant, Nazar, Hamsa, Ganesha amulet, Star of David, etc. |
Superstition | Four-leaf clover, rabbit's foot, horseshoe, etc. |
Culture | Nazar and Hamsa (Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries), Pyanska (Ukraine), Pimenta (Brazil), Kavacha (India), etc. |
What You'll Learn
Saint Christopher pendants
Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travellers, drivers, sailors, storms and gardeners. According to legend, Saint Christopher devoted his life to carrying travellers across a river. One day, a small child asked to be transported. In the middle of the river, the child became so heavy that Christopher barely made it to the other side. Once he was safely there, he was told that he had borne upon his back the world and its creator.
There are many different types of Saint Christopher pendants available, ranging from necklaces and bracelets to keychains. The pendants can be made from various materials, including sterling silver, solid gold, leather, and shell. Some pendants also feature additional lucky symbols, such as compasses, world maps, and runes.
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Turtles
Turtle-themed gifts, such as keychains, jewellery, and figurines, are popular choices for travellers seeking good luck charms. These items are believed to bring protection and good fortune to those embarking on journeys, serving as a reminder to slow down and embrace a calm mindset.
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Horseshoes
The metal composition of horseshoes has also contributed to their reputation for bringing good luck. Early Western Europeans believed that iron possessed magical powers and could ward off evil. Additionally, witches were said to be afraid of iron horseshoes, opting to travel by broomstick instead of horseback.
The number of holes in a horseshoe, typically seven, further amplifies its lucky aura. The number seven is considered lucky due to its frequent appearances in nature and life, such as the seven continents, seven seas, seven colours in a rainbow, and seven days in a week.
There is some disagreement over the proper way to hang a horseshoe to maximise its luck. Some believe that hanging it with the heels facing up creates a "U" shape that prevents good luck from spilling out. Others argue for hanging it with the heels facing down, allowing the luck to flow out and bestow blessings on those who pass beneath it. To ensure an abundance of good fortune, some suggest hanging two horseshoes in both orientations.
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Four-leaf clovers
The first reference to four-leaf clovers bringing good luck is thought to be from the 1620 satirical play *Astrologaster* by Sir John Melton. The play includes the line: "That if a man walking in the fields, finde any foure-leaued grasse, he shall in a small while after finde some good thing."
In Christian tradition, the four-leaf clover's leaves are said to represent hope, faith, love, and luck. According to legend, Eve plucked a four-leaf clover as a souvenir when she and Adam were leaving the Garden of Eden, creating a religious connection that has endured.
Some tips for finding your own four-leaf clover include:
- Scan a large area of clover patches, as one four-leaf clover usually indicates another isn't far away.
- Look for deviations from the normal pattern of three-leaf clovers.
- Search during the day and in well-lit spots, as clovers tend to fold up their leaves before sunset.
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Hamsa
The Hamsa hand is an ancient Middle Eastern amulet, also known as the Hand of Fatima or the Hand of Miriam. It has been revered for centuries as a powerful protection symbol, believed to ward off the evil eye and bring good fortune. The open right hand is a key part of the Hamsa, symbolising blessings, power, and strength.
The Hamsa is often made from gold, silver, or jet and sometimes features an eye symbol for extra protection. It is popular in North Africa and the Middle East, where it is used in jewellery, wall hangings, and house paintings. The Hamsa is also painted in red on house walls for protection, with fingers spread apart to ward off evil or closed together to invite good luck.
The origins of the Hamsa date back to ancient Mesopotamia and it has also been found in Carthage and ancient North Africa. It is used by Jews, Muslims, and Christians, each with their own interpretations. In Jewish culture, it is called the Hand of Miriam and is seen on ancient Israelite tombs from the 8th century BCE. In Islamic art, it is known as the Hand of Fatima, named after the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, and represents the Five Pillars of Islam.
The Hamsa is a versatile symbol, with both decorative and spiritual uses. It is believed to bring blessings, happiness, luck, health, and good fortune. It is a popular gift for women, especially at weddings or when a child is born, as it is linked to feminine energy and motherly love.
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Frequently asked questions
Good luck charms for travellers include Saint Christopher pendants, nazar amulets, four-leaf clovers, rabbit's feet, dreamcatchers, and hamsas.
Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travellers, drivers, sailors, gardeners, and storms. People believe that wearing a Saint Christopher pendant will bring good luck and ward off accidents, robberies, and poor health.
A nazar amulet is an eye-shaped, glass-bead charm commonly found in Turkey, Armenia, Iran, Albania, and Afghanistan. It is believed to protect against the evil eye and bring good luck.
According to legend, the four-leaf clover has been a symbol of good fortune and prosperity since the time of Adam and Eve. It is said that Eve took a four-leaf clover with her as a souvenir from the Garden of Eden.
The hamsa is a hand-shaped amulet used in Jewish and Muslim cultures to ward off evil and bring good luck. In Judaism, it is known as the "hand of Miriam," representing the five senses needed to praise God and the five books of the Torah. In Islam, it is called the "hand of Fatima" or "Khamsa," symbolising the five pillars of Islam.