17 Interesting Charms From Around The World That Might Surprise You
Kenneth Coo
Published
11/17/2015
You will be shocked to find out watching frogs and eating grapes brings good fortune.
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1.
We start with something popular- the dreamcatcher. It comes from Native Americans and supposedly keeps bad dreams away from you. -
2.
Bamboo. Yes, bamboo. In China it means luck, money and accomplishment, so many people have them in their houses in the southeastern corner. -
3.
Number eight. The number 8 not only resembles infinity symbol, it also means riches in China cause Chinese word for 8 sounds like the Chinese word for "riches". -
4.
Acorn. Not only he performed "Hold My Hand" with MJ but also meant luck, money and power in England. -
5.
Chrysoberyl, also called "Cat's Eye" is said to protect from loosing money in India. -
6.
Four Leaf Clover. You probably know that, but did you know some say that it originated in The Garden Of Eden? -
7.
Crickets. Native Americans had a thing for those lil' guys and considered mimicking the sound crickets make offensive. -
8.
Grapes. In Portugal and Spain they are associated with luck, at New Year Eve when clock hits twelve they eat 12 grapes to celebrate it. -
9.
Elephants. In India elephants are the symbol of wisdom and long life, if an elephant poops near you it is considered very lucky. -
10.
Tumi Knife. This ritual knife use to sacrifice llamas is associated with the Sun and the sacrifice was supposed to effect the Sun to help with crops. Originating from the terrain that is now Peru can be seen today on the walls of houses to bring good fortune. -
11.
Horse Shoe. You heard about that it brings luck, but do you know which side to hang it. Some say it should be like on the picture to keep fortune in, while others hang it the other way around to trap bad misfortune in it, and some claim it must form a letter "C". -
12.
Frogs. Native Australians believed that it was the frogs that bring rain and killing them was the thing that brought drought. -
13.
Maneki-Neko. This Japanese fella is supposed to bring fortune. Some claim the way the hand is risen must be always the same while others says it doesn't matter; one hand grabbed a symbol of fortune the other is a greating. This is popular knowledge but there are many types of this cat: white means innocence, black keeps away demons, golden brings home money, red one keeps diseases at bay, and a pink one gives you luck for your love life. Japanese say that if maneki-neko rises his right hand he gives money and luck, if left he gives many guests and customers, some mane them with both hands in the air but the Japanese find them distasteful. -
14.
Pig. Yes, but not a real one- a marzipan pig is a thing German give their friend to celebrate New Year. -
15.
Nazar. This Turkish thing is an... eye that "catches bad stares" meaning it shields you against curses. -
16.
Ladders. You probably heard they bring bad luck, not for Ancient Egyptians, they considered them a thing you leave at the entrance to the tombs to help souls ascend to heaven; now they mean good luck. -
17.
The last is The Dalecarlian Horse. It is a traditional carved, painted wooden horse statuette originating in Swedish province Dalarna (Dalecarlia). In the old days the Dalecarlian horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Dalarna, as well as Sweden in general. The toy is said to originate from 1716 and was just a toy but in time it became a symbol of Sweden and also strength, loyalty, wisdom and dignity.
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