good luck charms from around the world

Imperial Garden Lions, also called Fu dogs, are seen throughout Asia, especially China. The statues are generally placed in a pair outside one s home to ward off burglars and thieves (especially for the wealthy) which is why they re often seen outside of palaces and temples.

Most bugs shouldn t be welcomed in your garden, but if a ladybug comes by, welcome it. This good luck charm is said to bring good luck and prosperity, especially if it lands on your hand. If a woman has been recently married, the spots on the back of a ladybug landing on her hand are said to indicate how many children she will have.

The ankh is one of the most pervasive remnants of ancient Egyptian culture. Pharaohs often wore the amulets as symbols for eternal life. Many images show the gods holding an ankh to a mortal s lips, infusing them with the breath of life required to take someone through to the afterlife.

From a lucky penny to lucky Chinese coins, these pieces of money are important good luck charms in many cultures. Rule has it that you only pick up a coin if it s face side up. You re supposed to increase your luck if you wear a bent coin around your neck or keep it in your left pocket. Many people also include a coin in a new coat, wallet, or pair of shoes.

The power and regality of a dragon passes onto you when in possession of a dragon statue or charm. Especially useful if you re looking to advance career wise, a dragon charm is said to give you leadership skills and nourish your position in the company.

Pigs represent wealth and prosperity throughout Europe (and in some parts of Asia). Chinese mythology also attributes honesty and diligence to the pig. It s easy to see why, then, a pig was chosen to hold money in the form of a piggy bank.

A rabbit s foot is considered a good luck charm but only if it comes from the hind legs. The foot represents fertility due to rabbits incredibly high reproductive rate. If you wear a rabbit s foot, it s said you ll mother/father a child soon.

Out of the many Buddha statues out there, the laughing Buddha is especially lucky because it uses his spiritual wealth to bring you material wealth. Feng Shui recommends placing one in the west part of your home to bring health and wealth.

Cultures around the world are familiar with the throwing of a coin into a well or fountain. Occasionally tossing a coin into a well is said to placate the gods and keep the well from going dry. If you look at your reflection in a still pool, make a wish and toss in a coin for your wish to be granted.

Besides the laughing Buddha, the three legged toad is one of the most common good luck charms in some Asian cultures. Most statues come with a coin in the toad s mouth which must feature the Chinese characters pointing upwards. Never point the toad towards a door leading to the outside of your home.