What’s your good luck charm? Which lucky charm will motivate and inspire you most?
Life can be pretty bumpy ride but it’s comforting to know that we have some lucky charms to help us out. Here in this article let’s pick some top luckiest symbols.
For this good luck charms list we looked across a multitude of cultures and show symbols that were associated with good fortune and positive energy.
Some people may swear by these lucky charms, while others may think that they're silly. But regardless of whether it's possible to influence lady luck with the rabbit's foot or a cuddly pig, lucky charms can affect your attitude and can be a lot of fun.
And if you are having fun and feeling more positive, your attitude can make you luckier, too.
So if you don't have a favorite lucky charm already, check out these popular symbols of good luck from around the world to see if any inspire you.
Sure, they may be just urban legends, superstitions or old wives’ tales, but if these good luck symbols can bring you wealth, health and love, why not give it a try?
Plants as Good Charms
#1 Lucky Four-leaf Clover Charms
1 in 10,000. Those are the odds given for finding a four-leaf clover. Superstitions surrounding the four-leaf clover are believed to have stemmed from the story of Adam & Eve, as it’s believed Eve took a clover with her after being banished to remember the paradise she had lost.
Irish folklore connects it to Druid priests, who used shamrocks to ward off evil and heal ailments.
Egyptian tradition calls for a clover to be given to a newly-wed couple to represent their eternal love. Each of the clover’s four leaves represent either faith, love, hope, and luck.
If you'd like to have a four-leaf lucky charm, you don't have to spend a lot of time trekking through fields of clover. There are a lot of fun crafts that let you make them yourself. You can also wear some four-leaf clover jewelry to bring you good luck.
#2 Lucky Bamboo Charms
Lucky bamboo is technically not bamboo at all, but a close relative called Dracaena.
It's a hardy, long-lived plant, which might account for its lucky properties. The more stalks of a lucky bamboo plant has, the more luck it's supposed to bring.
A plant with three stalks is said to bring happiness, wealth and longevity to the owners. But some plants have even more stalks, which are said to impart more kinds of luck to luck.
#3 Acorns as Lucky Symbols
Because of its association with the Norse god, Odin, the lowly acorn is also considered a symbol of luck. Odin hung himself from an oak tree to gain knowledge, so the acorn has come to symbolize wisdom.
The Norse also believed that acorns could bring divine protection and place them in the windows of their homes to ward off lightning.
During the Norse Invasion, Englishmen would carry acorns in their pockets, perhaps hoping that they would make their conquerors more sympathetic toward them.
As the saying, “great oaks from little acorns grow” indicates, acorns also signify fertility, youth, and prosperity.
Acorns make fun lucky symbols to keep with you because they are so common in the fall. They are fun to gather and even more fun to decorate. Spray-paint them gold and silver, or simply use acrylic paints to give them a gorgeous color.
Specific Numbers as Good Charms
#4 Lucky Number Seven Charm
Growing up, you may have heard that seven was the luckiest number, but did anyone tell you why? The number 7 has been connected with luck, with perfection, and with gaining knowledge in many cultures throughout history.
The reason this number has become so heavily correlated with ideas of luck is because of how frequently the number shows up in our lives.
Think about it: there are 7 days in a week, 7 colors in the rainbow, and even 7 seas. And that's not even counting the 7 chakras of Hinduism or Japan's 7 lucky God's.
Considering that Chinese culture highly praises the number eight, there isn't anything necessarily magical about seven per say.
However people tend to become fascinated with certain numbers, creating an almost emotional attachment to them. When everyone else is rooting for lucky number seven, sometimes it seems logical to jump on the bandwagon.
#5 Lucky Number Eight Charm
Now, if you'd have grown up in China you would probably be saying that the number 8 is the luckiest number, and the reason is much more clear than with the number 7.
In Chinese, the word for the number 8 sounds a lot like the word for prosperity. So it's luck-bringing properties are a kind of play on words.
The number 8 with its two graceful curves, is also a balanced number. Balance and harmony are vital ingredients for a lucky life.
If the number 7 doesn't catch your fancy as a lucky charm, then perhaps the number 8 would fit your style better.
Special Items as Good Charms
#6 Lucky Horseshoe Charms
A blacksmith named Dunstan, a Devil in need of shoes… elements of a tale that eventually led to the common belief that the horseshoe was a symbol of luck.
Dunstan was believed to have affixed a horseshoe to the Devil’s hoof and, when the beast was too pained to walk, held him hostage until it agreed to enter a place with a horseshoe hung over the door.
In early Western European culture, the iron with which the horseshoes were built was believed to have had supernatural powers embedded within.
All this combines to create an object commonly considered a protective charm. Hung around homes to fight off any evils that would come near.
While, how to hang a horseshoe? There are even options for how to hang horseshoes for different varieties of luck.
Some believe that a horseshoe facing up means the luck will never run out, while others believe hanging it facing downwards means luck will flow into whomever walks underneath.
#7 Lucky Coin Charms
Why picking up a penny is considered lucky may have a few origins, one possibility being the superstition that the gods gifted metal as a means of protecting against evil.
Traditions in Ireland and Northern Europe also believed that pennies belonged to tiny creatures like leprechauns and fairies, and one is supposed to spit on the coin and throw it back into the bushes in hopes that the small critter will accept it as payment in exchange for good luck.
A little more rooted in reality is the fact that, at one time, pennies held more value and simply finding one may have just been a stroke of luck.
Throughout history coins have been associated with notions of prosperity and wealth. It's an obvious connection as money makes the world go round. But did you know that different kinds of coins supposedly hold different lucky powers for their owners?
A coin that was made on a leap year, it's thought to be a powerful good-luck charm. Coins with holes are highly auspicious objects as well and Old English superstitions believe that always carrying one around in your pocket guarantees that you will never be without money. So lucky pennies work just as well.
#8 Lucky Dice Charms
Considering how many games of chance are played with dice, it's no surprise that they have become a symbol of luck. But compared to some of the lucky charms on this list, fuzzy dice are a relatively recent invention.
During World War II, fighter pilots would fly missions with terrible odds of coming home again. They would bring their own lucky charms with them in the hopes of tipping the odds of a safe return in their favor.
Gambling items like cards and dice were popular aboard the fighter planes.
Knowing the World War II tradition, Decofelt corporations started marketing fuzzy dice to hang on the rearview mirrors of cars in 1959, and a fad was born.
If you want to use fuzzy dice as your talisman, you could sew yourself a pair or buy a bunch of brightly-colored dice and hot-glue them to your monitor or the edge of your desk.
#9 Dreamcatcher Luck Charms
If you are having too many nightmares lately, maybe a dream catcher will help. These round and beautifully handcrafted pieces of art originated from Ojibwe tribes and are designed to represent a spiderweb with the belief that any bad dreams will be snared by the dreamcatcher strings.
While these negative thoughts are trapped, the dreamcatcher allows any good dreams to pass straight through into the subconscious mind, ensuring a relaxing and peaceful sleep.
Although it’s conventionally meant to be placed above a bed, dreamcatchers have become so popular over time that some people even hang them in their cars.
What’s more, hang a dreamcatcher inside your office window to keep bad luck away. Or buy a pair of dreamcatcher earrings or a dreamcatcher necklace to bring luck with you wherever you go.
#10 Evil Eyes to Ward Off Bad Luck
Instead of waiting around in fear of something bad happening, how about just scaring it off before it ever comes close? Similar to the hamsa hand from Middle Eastern culture, the evil eye is a talisman or protective charm.
Recognized for its power to fend off bad fortune that could befall the owner’s home or workplace, especially in Greece and Turkey.
The evil pod show is rooted in Turkish superstition, the idea is some people's looks have the power to harm, and the iron provides protection.
This symbol is so commonly associated with good vibes that it can be found on a wide assortment of jewelry, so that each owner may carry or wear his or her evil eye comfortably.
Evil eye charms are so highly regarded among Greek and Turkish people, that newborn babies are often provided one of their own to ensure that their lives are off to a positive start.
The evil eye lucky charm takes several different forms. Some cultures use a hand with an eye in its center for protection. Others use simple blue or green beads.
But some of the most popular and beautiful evil eye talismans come from Turkey. They use glass beads with alternating blue and white circles to bring themselves more luck.
To create your own evil eye charm, you can either buy jewelry containing the evil eye pattern or do your own Nazur by painting rocks or creating an evil eye amulet out of clay.
#11 Cornicello as Good Luck Charm
The Cornicello, or little horn, is an Italian symbol believed to ward off the evil eye, its origin stemming from the Old European moon goddess.
Though Catholic evangelical skeptics associate it with the Devil’s horns, the twisted symbol has been accepted into modern Catholicism by most, relating it to the Virgin Mary who stands upon a lunar crescent.
Made of either red coral, gold, or silver, the cornicello is still found today in Italy and within traditional Italian families around the world, with some men even wearing it to protect their genitals from the evil eye.
#12 Swastika (卐) Lucky Charms
The swastika (卐) is an equilateral cross with four arms bent at 90 degrees. Would you consider it as a lucky charm? Do you know the swastika origin or history? Or where did it come from?
For thousands of years across many cultures, the swastika conveyed and still conveys only positive sentiments to many people's surprise. The swastika can be found worldwide also integrated in ancient buildings in Israel.
It can also be found in some of the oldest churches on earth, in the rock Church of Lalibela Ethiopia. The Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus have used the swastika as a spiritual symbol throughout Asia.
Today it is shunned in the West due to a lack of understanding of the swastikas true origins and meaning, but mainly, because it was hijacked by the Nazis which gave the swastika a tarnished reputation which it does not deserve.
Most people are unaware of the integrated use of the swastika entwined with the US and North America's past mainly with good luck and well-being in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
As you can see the U.S. accepted this symbol long before the Nazis be fouled.
It extensively used in the US as a sign of protection as stated on this emblem, may this emblem protect you well from every bullet every shell.
Also on the early French and US Air Force planes, the Finland air force and military medals, and even on the Finland presidential flag, and the US flag referred to here as a lucky star in the US.
The swastika was also used on a corporate level on coca-cola bottles, American Boy Scouts, and even in minting the early 1900 coins, and poker chips.
Not only was the swastika used by the US military and corporations, but also by Canadian male and female Hockey League's.
Before Americans embrace the swastika, the native people such as the Navajo used the swastika as their spiritual symbol seen on early rugs carpets and quilts.
Even Jackie Bouvier Kennedy can be seen in native dress attire. Was even used in landmarks, highway markers, and on the Laguna dam in Arizona built in the early 1900s, also there is a swastika town in Ontario Canada and one in the US Clinton County New York.
The swastika is a symbol of the scientist who created us, which is why we find it on every continent.
Usually associated with spiritual and peaceful groups, the swastika has been a symbol of peace and well-being for millions of Buddhists, Hindus, and for aliens as well, as it is their symbol of infinity, time, and a symbol of eternity.
Discrimination is not only found in Europe, and all parts of the US, it is also found down under in Australia, having a peaceful exhibit informing the public of the true meaning of the swastika.
Surprisingly, the police showed up, harassing the peaceful exhibit, threatening and arresting the leader of the Australian movement jarelle, who was taken to jail with no explanation of charges, just pure discrimination.
Banning cannot solve anything, education is the only way. Children should be taught at school about the beauty of this ancient symbol of peace and harmony, instead of always being referred to as used by the Nazis.
This is why Royale, founder and leader of the International Raelian movement, initiated the idea of a world swastika rehabilitation day, which takes place every year in cities around the world.
#13 Laughing Buddha as Good Charm
Laughing Buddha isn’t actually laughing at us rather this depiction of the Chinese folkloric deity not to be confused with Gautama Buddha of Buddhism.
Cannot contain his overwhelming feelings of joy resulting in a permanent smile, this constant happiness is believed to attract positive energies that many believe can result in great wealth and prosperity for a home or business.
Furthermore, having a laughing buddha or butai statue, especially one holding a fan is thought to be a defensive barrier that is capable of warding off any negative problems or conflicts that can enter someone’s life.
The cherry on top is that if his belly is rubbed while making a wish, there’s a chance it’ll come true.
Having this guy around can result in happiness flowing through a home, and honestly who doesn’t want to feel happy.
#14 Maneki-neko (or Welcoming Cat)
The next time you’re in a Chinese restaurant and see a golden cat waving at you, don’t just assume it’s a tacky ornament. The Maneki Neko, or Beckoning Cat, is a symbol that a lot have seen, but few probably understand.
Its first appearance is widely believed to have been during Japan’s Endo period, but why it’s a symbol of good luck and fortune differs.
One tale tells of a man’s life, saved by a cat who appeared to beckon him from his location, which was then struck by lightning.
The rise of the Maneki Neko may also have loose ties to the decline of the sex and companionship industry after the Meiji Period.
Bringing wealth and prosperity to its owner, the Japanese maneki-neko also known under various names like lucky cat and beckoning cat has become a global phenomenon, and can be found in restaurants shops and homes around the world, which paw is facing upwards influences in which area of life luck will be found.
For business owners if the left paw is raised, it’s believed that customers will be enticed to enter the store, while the right paw symbolizes wealth and success.
Additionally, having a maneki-neko with a certain color is thought to attract luck to other areas of life. With red being love, white symbolizing happiness and green representing health.
Animals as Good Charms
#15 Elephant as Good Luck Charms
Elephants are a lot of things, intelligent and large being two of their most predominant features; but certain cultures also consider these majestic creatures to be lucky.
This belief bears roots within Hinduism, specifically with the Hindu god, Ganesha. Thought to be a Remover of Obstacles and a god of wisdom and success, Ganesha is visualized with an elephant head atop a human body.
For an elephant charm to be considered a symbol of good luck, it’s trunk must be pointed in an upright manner so that said luck doesn’t run out.
It’s believed that having a carving or statue of an elephant facing the door of your home will ensure that only good vibes are able to enter, resulting in a long life and success.
Similarly, some Asian business corporations have statues placed outside by the entrances of their buildings. In the hopes that they will positively affect the company.
#16 Rabbits’ Foot as Good Luck Charms
In North American traditions, it's believed that if someone carries around a rabbit's foot and it has to be the left rear one in their left pocket, they will have good luck.
Just because it may bring you a little luck, doesn’t give you the right to start cutting off feet from rabbits. We just wanted to get that clear. So, where did we get the idea that the severed foot of a rabbit would bring about good fortune?
The origin of the rabbit foot as a talisman stems from the Celtics with additional foots in Europe, China, the Americas, and Africa. Specifics about good fortune come into play in early North American folklore – and boy do things get specific.
The charm would have to be a left foot from a rabbit killed in a cemetery under either a full or new moon, depending on which version you follow.
Personally, I think a rabbits foot is less of a lucky talisman and more animal cruelty, that is why I do not endorse rabbit murder.
#17 Ladybugs as Good Luck Charms
Ladybugs are popular insects worldwide and many cultures believe that they bring luck. In German-speaking countries, they are literally called lucky bugs: “Glueckskaefer”.
Are ladybugs good luck? How can a ladybug make you luckier? What does it mean when a ladybug lands on you? Some cultures say that if a ladybug lands on you and you don't brush it off, your luck will improve.
Others say that if a man and a woman see a ladybug at the same time, they'll fall in love. In Belgium, a ladybug crawling across a maidens hand was a sign that she would be married soon.
A large number of ladybugs in the spring was an indication to farmers that there would be a good harvest. All ladybugs are not created equal in the luck department; the deeper red their color and the more spots they have, the luckier you'll be.
If you want to be luckier be careful around these cheerful looking insects, since killing a ladybug can bring you misfortune. Ladybugs are cute and they can make excellent lucky symbols.
Some ideas for ladybug charms include creating a cute ladybug pod for your computer desk, painting rocks to look like ladybugs, or having fun with other ladybug crafts.
#18 Raccoon Bones as Good Luck Charms
We wish it was just any sort of raccoon bone thought to bring good luck, but this superstition refers to a rather specific part of the animal. Specifically, we’re talking about the raccoon baculum, or penis bone.
Commonly associated as a love charm, one that a man would give a woman when seeking her love, the baculum of the raccoon is also connected to luck. Gamblers were known to wrap their money around the raccoon bone in hopes of gaining good fortune.
Use of the bone has roots in hoodoo, but likely originated from the Pawnee people, who would place the strange bone with ears of corn in sacred bundles.
#19 Peacock Feathers as Good Luck Charms
There are many different beliefs surrounding peacock feathers, such as Greek mythology, which sees them as a symbol of the vault to heaven. To Hindu culture, peacock feathers are revered as something more in line of what we’re looking to cover, a symbol of good luck and good fortune.
Peacock feathers are often associated with the Goddess Lakshmi, a bringer of wealth, which explains why some homeowners are known to hang the feathers throughout their abode.
As an additional perk, the feathers are thought to keep flies away from the home. Sounds like reason enough to us to hang them about.
#20 More Lucky Animal Charms
In Feng Shui, goldfish are said to attract luck and prosperity. Dragons and horses are also considered lucky.
In Germany, lucky pigs are often given as tokens to wish friends and family a happy and lucky New Year.
Turtles and tortoises are also considered lucky, due to their long lifespans.
Ancient Egyptians consider the scarab beetle to be lucky.
In Korea, the swallow is considered a sign of good luck thanks to the story of Heungbu and Nolbu. According to the story, a sparrow rewarded a kind deed with prosperity.
Conclusion
Given such a wide range of choices, it's pretty easy to find a favorite animal or plant or other lucky items to serve as a lucky charm. You can also visit out store Luckybudmall to check some good luck jewelry, may these little lucky items bring you good luck!