In need of some good fortune? Why not harness the power of a Japanese good luck symbol? Read on to learn about the strange tradition associated with Japanese good luck symbols.
The Japanese tradition is one of the world’s most unique phenomena. With the improvements in means of mass communications the world has become exposed to the culture that has remained highly introversive for the vast majority of its history. Today the Japanese are proud of their cultural heritage and have sought to intrigue foreigners with different elements of their culture.
There are many things that the world wide public finds interesting about the Japanese culture. Amongst them are the various good luck symbols that the Japanese have as part of their history. The Japanese are very peculiar when it comes to good luck charms and the different charms that exist today have been present in Japan for many centuries.
Today you will find that the Japanese people have marketed these good luck charms to the world wide public. People often buy them not knowing that they are meant to be good luck charms from Japan. Many people consider them to be arts and crafts items from the country instead. The history of Japan tells us that they were believed to be good luck charms for the locals. Some foreign people may also purchase items with these symbols or get Japanese symbol tattoos with the belief that they bring good luck!
Japanese Cat Symbol
One of the most famous good luck symbols is that of the beckoning cat. This is one of those symbols that are taken very seriously even today. You will find many Japanese people to have the beckoning cat in some form or the other in their shops and restaurants. This particular symbol has many variations. The most popular of those is the one where the cat has one forepaw raised. If the left paw is raised then it is meant to attract the customers whereas the right paw brings in the flow of money.
Japanese Laughing Buddha
Another prominent good luck symbol from the land of the rising sun is the Hotei more commonly known as the laughing Buddha. This cute little statue of a bald man with a big stomach and a wealth bag over his shoulders is bound to bring a smile to your face if nothing else. Many people are intrigued just by the physical appearance of this good luck symbol which is why it is commonly found in houses and offices. According to Japanese tradition the Hotei brings happiness and good luck.
Daruma dolls are yet another popular good luck symbol from Japan. The Japanese believe that Daruma dolls are meant to give you hope and optimism along with bringing in the good luck. The traditional way is to paint in one of the eyes with a black pen and then make a wish. Children hoping to pass their exams often use these dolls in Japan. The construction of daruma dolls is such that they are weighted at the bottom hence when you push them they come right back up.
For those interested in getting a tattoo for good luck, the page on Japanese kanji symbols is a good starting point for understanding your options.
