Among the world of symbols and superstitions, the four-leaf clover and the Maneki Neko are seemingly simple icons associated with luck and fortune, but they have intriguing backstories dating centuries ago that have kept them in the hearts and minds of cultures worldwide.
The Four-Leaf Clover:
The shamrock, or three-leaf clover, was sacred to the ancient Celts, believed to represent the nature of life: land, sea, and sky; birth, life, and death. But the four-leaf clover is much rarer, and it’s true luck found 1 in 10,000.
Deeply rooted in Celtic folklore, particularly in Ireland, legend has it that holding a four-leaf clover protects the bearer from dangerous fairies, bad luck, and evil spirits. Furthermore, finding one means you’ve been touched by the magic of the earth itself, granting you power and wisdom.
Some tales link the luck of the four-leaf clover to the biblical story of Adam and Eve. It is said that Eve took a four-leaf clover with her as a souvenir when she and Adam were cast out of the Garden of Eden. According to some versions, the clover grew in the garden as a symbol of the connection between Heaven and Earth. For Eve, it served as a reminder of the blessings and graces she and Adam had in paradise. The four leaves were thought to symbolize faith, hope, love, and God’s grace — a divine heavenly blessing that bestows good fortune.
The Maneki Neko:
In Japan, the Maneki Neko, also known as the “Beckoning Cat” or “Welcome Cat,” is a beloved symbol of luck that is said to bring prosperity and good fortune, often seen waving its paw in restaurants, shops, and homes.
There are many Japanese legends surrounding the Maneki Neko, with the most famous tale dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). According to this popular legend, a poor monk lived in a crumbling temple with his white cat. The monk decided that they needed to move away and find a better place to live; however, the cat chose to stay at the gates, loyal to their home. One stormy night, Naotaka Li, Lord of Hikone, happened to pass by the temple gates and took shelter under a nearby tree to avoid the rain. The thunderstorm surrounded the sky, and the white cat at the temple’s gate beckoned the lord to come closer. Out of curiosity, Li walked over, and moments later, a bolt of lightning struck the tree he’d been standing under just seconds before. Grateful for the cat’s intervention, Li saved the monk’s temple from ruin. This temple, Gotokuji, still stands today and is decorated with statues of white beckoning cats in honor of the cat’s deed.
Depending on what paw the Maneki Neko raises, you will be granted different kinds of luck. The left paw is believed to bring prosperity to a business by attracting more customers, and the right paw draws in wealth. If both paws are raised at the same time, it invites good luck and the higher it is, the more fortune it brings.
