Good luck charms

OK, this might be fun....

Do any of you have anything that you consider lucky?? Like maybe a rabbit's foot, or do you believe in making wishes when you break a wish bone or blow out your birthday candles?

Let me know if you have anything you consider lucky, and I'll do my best to find out the origin behind the story. I got a book called "The Good Luck Book" that has an A-Z guide of all kinds of things...it's pretty cool.

Here are my examples:
I have always loved and collected jade...my Dad always told me it was good luck....this is what the book says:

Jade:From the earliest times in China, jade charms in the shape of bats or storks have been believed to ensure long life. Jade carvings worn around the neck have been powerful lucky charms among the Chinese since the fouteenth century B.C. Even today, a Chinese businessperson might feel luckier holding a jade amulet when making important decisions.

In other parts of the world, jade is regarded as a charm against problems with the eyes. And from ancient times through the Middle Ages, it was used as a prescription for curing kidney disease. When Europeans first arrived in Central America, they were amazed to discover that the Incas in Peru shared this belief and routinely relied on jade charms to prevent kidney problems.

In many cultures, jade amulets are considered the best possible protection for women in childbirth. Some believe the stone is a bringer of rain and that it can drive away wild beasts and evil spirits. It is said to cure dropsy, abolish thirst and relieve palpitations of the heart. Few charms are more effective in assuring victory in battle or protecting against being struck by lightning.

Black Cat:
As superstitions go, the idea that black cats are unlucky is of fairly recent vintage. It dates back to the Middle Ages, when just about everybody believed in witches. They also believed a witch had the power to become a cat and that black was always the color of choice. It followed that if a black cat should cross your path, it just might be a witch in disguise and that could bring nithing but bad luck.

Sometimes a black cat can bring good luck. They are regarded as very lucky in Japan. American folk wisdom has it that if one comes to your door, it brings good fortune to the household. Sailors have long believed that a black cat aboard ship will ensure a safe voyage, and for generations sailors' wives have adopted black cats to help guarantee that their husbands will come home safe and sound.


Anyway, I have found this book very intriguing, and it has a story for all types of good luck charms and traditions. Everything you could think of from shrunken heads to horseshoes to four leaf clovers has a reason behind it. So, if you're curious about anything like that, let me know, and I'll see if I can find it.

Until then....wishing you all the best luck in the world!!!!