Julia May
People have been using lucky talismans to ward off bad luck and misfortune for hundreds of years, especially when travelling. Stepping into the unknown can be scary, with new challenges and risks, so it's no surprise that many people won't travel without a lucky charm to bring them luck and safety. Lucky travel charms come in many shapes and sizes and often have religious or spiritual origins. From St. Christopher pendants to horseshoe necklaces, here is a selection of good luck charms for travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religion | Catholicism, Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity |
| Region | Mediterranean, Middle East, Ukraine, Brazil, India, Thailand, USA, The Americas, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, North Africa, East Asia, Italy, Guatemala, Egypt |
| Form | Jewellery, necklace, pendant, amulet, keyring, bracelet, ring, egg, chilli, prayer scroll, horseshoe, dreamcatcher, clover, fish hook, star, talisman, stone, statue, doll |
Saint Christopher pendant
Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travellers, drivers, sailors, storms and gardeners. According to legend, he was a giant of a man, over 7 feet tall, who helped poor and weak people cross a dangerous river. The most popular legend, depicted in classic Saint Christopher imagery, is the story of Saint Christopher carrying Jesus across a river to safety. This is why Saint Christopher is seen as a symbol of protection, especially for travellers and sailors.
Wearing a Saint Christopher pendant is believed to bring health, prosperity, faith, and protection from accidents, robberies, and poor health. It is also a reminder of home and can be passed down through generations as a special keepsake.
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The horseshoe
Horseshoes are also associated with good luck when they have been previously worn by a horse. One Irish legend tells of a devil who walked into a blacksmith's store and demanded he make some shoes for him. The blacksmith obliged but nailing the shoes into the devil's hooves caused him so much pain that he ran away.
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The key
Losing your keys, however, is considered to be very unlucky.
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The elephant
Elephants are associated with good fortune and abundance. Some cultures depict elephants with rain clouds, which is a direct reference to their connection with the bountiful harvests produced by farming communities. Elephant charms are often given as gifts, serving as a way to wish someone good luck.
Elephants also represent strength, protection, and wisdom. They have been enlisted in war efforts, with men riding elephants into battle. They are strong protectors and gentle creatures that won't bother you unless you pose a threat to their safety. Their intelligence is showcased by their ability to appreciate music and use their trunks to paint.
Elephants symbolize family and friendship through the close bonds they form within their packs. They are known to travel in small to large groups, forming deep relationships with each other, making elephant charms a great gift for loved ones.
When used as a good luck charm, it is important to select elephant items that depict the elephant with its trunk or tusk raised upward to invite good fortune.
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The dreamcatcher
The webs in the dreamcatcher are said to trap bad dreams and nightmares, burning them up with the light of the day at sunrise. Good dreams, meanwhile, flow through the feathers attached to the dreamcatcher, allowing the sleeper to rest comfortably. The beads attached to the dreamcatcher symbolise these good dreams.
Dreamcatchers are typically hung above the bed for good luck. They can be crafted from natural materials, such as a wooden hoop made from a red willow branch, covered with a net or web of natural fibres, with beads and feathers attached at the bottom.
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Frequently asked questions
Good luck charms for travel include the St. Christopher pendant, Nazar amulet, horseshoe, and dreamcatcher.
You can find good luck charms for travel at specialty shops, jewellery stores, or online. Some retailers include Off The Map Jewellery and Good Luck Gift Shop.
Good luck charms for travel are believed to bring protection and positive energy to the traveller. They serve as a source of comfort and reassurance, especially when embarking on unfamiliar journeys.
Good luck charms for travel are suitable for anyone embarking on a trip, regardless of the duration or distance. They are particularly comforting for those with long daily commutes, people living and working abroad, long-term backpackers, and individuals travelling to more dangerous locations.
