Why is a rabbit's foot considered good luck? | Reference.com Why is a rabbit's foot considered good luck? A: Quick Answer Superstitious people may consider a rabbit's foot to be a good luck charm due to centuries-old belief that this specific anatomical item provides some sort of totemic protection against harm. There is evidence that humans as far back as the first century B.C.E. believed that rabbits were associated with good luck. There is also evidence that African folk magic included a belief in positive effects that could be imparted by a rabbit's foot. Superstition Bash - CSI Superstition Bash Skeptical Inquirer Is Now Available Digitally February 18, 2016 Skeptical Inquirer is now available digitally on Apple Newsstand and on all other major platforms through the Pocketmags app.

December 5, 2014 Public discussion of scientific topics such as global warming is confused by misuse of the term “skeptic.” Skeptic Authors Steven Salzberg and Joe Nickell to Receive Balles Prize in Critical Thinking June 14, 2013 Forbes columnist Steven Salzberg and author-investigator Joe Nickell will each be awarded the 2012 Robert P. Balles Prize in Critical Thinking, to be presented by the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry at the CFI Summit in October. Rabbit’s Foot Rabbits and hares were considered very lucky animals as they were associated with spring and the return of flowers and other plants. Spring was also a time of fertility and so rabbits were considered good luck to be seen running through the fields. To see a rabbit running through your yard meant that it would be a good year to have children or that your garden would be especially fertile this year. The manner in which rabbits run gave birth to the superstition about rabbit's feet. Apparently their unusual stride makes the back feet touch the ground ahead of their front feet and so the back feet were considered especially lucky.

For luck to had, however, the original owner must give their rabbit's foot away and it would be the receiver of the gift that would also be the recipient of the good fortune. If the owner kept the foot for himself, he would be visited by bad luck. If the recipient of the rabbit's foot lost his lucky charm he would also be visited with bad luck. Animal rights activists are rightfully concerned about this particular superstition and are encouraging it to die out. Other Superstitions for Rabbits: It is good luck for a rabbit to cross your path Seeing a white rabbit is a death omen Seeing a black rabbit is unlucky Seeing a rabbit on the way to work is unlucky If you dream about a rabbit it means you will be visited by misfortune Wearing rabbit-skin socks protects against pleurisy A child who eats rabbit brains will improve his or her behavior!

Seeing a rabbit cross behind you means bad luck is on its way A rabbit running down the street means there will be a fire in the neighborhood Saying "white rabbits" on the first of each month or on the first day of a new moon will bring good luck When sitting around a campfire, saying "white rabbit" will make the smoke go in another direction To predict the coming winter, if you see a rabbit with a thick coat, expect a hard winter; a rabbit with a thin coat means the winter will be a mild one 50 Good Luck Symbols From Around The World | Exemplore 50 Good Luck Symbols From Around The World 50 Good Luck Symbols From Around The World Updated on December 15, 2014 Joined: 2 years agoFollowers: 21Articles: 90 76 2 years ago Signs and Symbols of Good Luck Do you believe in luck? Do you carry a lucky charm or a symbolic t alisman to ward off evil and bring you good fortune? Many people do. Cultures around the world have developed signs and symbols that are believed to be lucky. Other symbols are thought to grant wishes or even heal the sick.

There are also symbols for warding off evil and offering protection from curses. Good luck symbols come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. There are signs of good (or bad) luck in nature, including plants, animals, and insects. Many cultures believe that there are lucky objects, numbers, symbols, and gems. Here are the most popular signs of luck and good fortune from around the world. I have tried to capture the range of lucky symbols from around the world. Enjoy in good luck! Advertisement Good Luck Charms: A Few at a Glance Animals Ladders (but not when leaning against a wall) Nature's Good Luck Signs Rainbows are considered lucky because, as we all know, at the end is a pot of gold! | Source Advertisement Acorns and their bearers, oak trees, bring good fortune according to Norse folklore. The Vikings associated oak trees with Thor, the god who created thunder and lightning with his great anvil and hammer. Because the tree attracted lightning, it was sacred to Thor. The Vikings believed that the fruit of the oak tree, the acorn, was spared Thor's wrath, so Vikings placed a lone acorn on their windowsills to protect their houses from lightning. Rainbows are mentioned n the Old Testament.

God created a rainbow after the flood as a sign that the earth would never be destroyed by flood again. Irish leprechauns are said to hide their gold at the end of rainbows, though we all know that a rainbow's end is impossible to find! Eggs are powerful symbols of fertility, purity, and rebirth in traditional folk religion. They are used in magical rituals to promote fertility and restore virility, look into the future, bring good weather, encourage the growth of crops, protect both cattle and children against misfortune, and ward off the "evil eye." In England, a gift of a white egg is considered lucky, but a brown egg is unlucky. Lucky Insects A cricket on the hearth has been a sign of good household luck for thousands of years. | Source Advertisement Crickets on the hearth have been a sign of good household luck for thousands of years. This belief could stem from prehistoric times, when a cricket's chirp provided a kind of companionship. In China and other Asian countries, cricket are seen as watchdogs: At any sign of danger, the chirping will stop.

In the Far East as well as across Europe, it is considered very bad luck to kill a cricket, even by accident. Almost every Native American tribe believed that crickets bring good luck and that imitating its chirp was disrespectful. Images of crickets appear on charms and amulets, particularly those intended to ward off the "evil eye," in ancient Middle Eastern and European cultures. Ladybugs are considered a harbinger of good luck and prosperity. A ladybug is said to have the power to free one of day-to-day problems. Wearing a ladybug amulet or having a live one land on you will brighten your day, give you patience with those around you, and most importantly, lessen your burdens. If a ladybug lands on you when you are ill, it will take the illness away. If a ladybug lands on your hand and then flies away, it is said that there will be good weather on the following Sunday. Killing a ladybug is considered bad luck. Regarding ladybug spots: If a ladybug lands on a recently married woman's hand, the number of dots on its back is the number of children she will have. The number of spots on a ladybug can also indicate the number of happy months that are ahead.

Folklore also suggests that if you catch a ladybug in your home, you will find the same number of dollars that are on the ladybug's back. Dragonflies are another lucky insect. As a creature of the wind, the dragonfly represents change. As a creature of the water, they represent the subconscious, or "dream" state. Other symbolic meanings associated with dragonflies are prosperity, strength, courage, peace, harmony, and purity. Scarabs date back to Ancient Egypt, where they were considered good luck beetles. As a symbol of the rising sun and a protector from evil, the scarab is also a symbol of rebirth, regeneration, and transformation. Advertisement Turtles symbolize primal mother and Mother Earth. | Source Lucky Animal Totems Dolphins are considered lucky in many different cultures, including the Ancient cultures of Greece, Sumer, Egypt, and Rome. For Christians and Native Americans, the dolphin is a symbol of protection and its image is said to bring good luck. Ancient sailors who spent months or even years at sea found the sight of dolphins swimming around their ships to be the first sign that land was near. Pigs are symbols of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity.

There is a German saying: Schwein gehabt, literally "had pig" but idiomatically, "good luck is at hand." Chinese and European cultures believe that charms in the shape of pigs have the power to bring good luck, as they are a symbol of riches and wealth. In Chinese mythology the pig is a symbol of honesty, tolerance, initiative and diligence. Tortoises are considered a good luck symbol in the Feng-Shui system of thought. They are also one of the four sacred animals, along with the dragon, unicorn, and phoenix. For more about Feng Shui symbols, read this article . Turtles are believed to have power to ward off bad magic. A turtle symbolizes the primal mother and Mother Earth. Turtles are also said to symbolize longevity, hope, and long life. Turtles are said to be a link between heaven and earth. Elephants symbolize overcoming death. Elephants are good luck according to Feng Shui principles. The Ganeshsa, a Hindu deity with an elephant's head, is the Hindu god of luck. Elephant figurines on shelves or by doorways are said to ensure longevity and luck.

Elephants are also symbols of wisdom, power, loyalty, intelligence, strength, and solitude. Red Bats are symbols of long life in China. Amulets with the image of a red bat bring happiness. The red bat is thought to ward off evil. Five red bats represent the "five good fortunes" of health, longevity, love, wealth, and virtue. Tigers are considered lucky in Chinese astrology. The Tiger protects against certain evils, including theft and fire. Frogs are symbols of prosperity, wealth, friendship, and abundance in many cultures. In other cultures they symbolize fertility. In the Native American culture of the Southwestern United States, the frog carries a piece of wood in its mouth because the Mojave people believe frogs brought fire to humans. For the ancient Romans, the frog was believed to bring good luck to one's home. Native Aborigines of Australia believe that frogs brought the thunder and rain. Frogs are said to be effective in speeding up recovery from disease. Among the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, frogs symbolized inspiration and fertility. In ancient Egypt, Hekt, the frog goddess, protected newborn babies, hence frogs were symbols of fertility and birth.

The frog is also said to attract true friends and to help find long-lasting love. Birds, including cranes, eagles, and falcons, are powerful luck symbols. For more about bird symbolism, read this article. Some specific animal body parts are also thought to be lucky. A hind rabbit's foot is a good luck symbol. Because rabbits reproduce abundantly, rabbits' feet are said to enhance fertility. When the rabbit's foot is worn by a man, he will sire a child. When worn by a woman, she will become pregnant. Alligator teeth are believed in Africa to bring luck to gamblers. Advertisement Plants Representing Luck Legend has it that when Eve left the Garden of Eden, she took a four leaf clover for good luck. | Source Four-leaf clover is popular in Western cultures as symbols of luck, probably due to its association with St. Patrick's Day. Four-leaf clovers do exist, they just are not as common as the three-leaf variety. If you find one, it's considered good luck. Legend goes that when Eve had to leave paradise she took a four-leaf clover along for good luck.

Lucky bamboo, or “friendship bamboo,” (actually a Dracaenaspecies, in the asparagus family) is a luck-bringing gift. This plant grows in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Africa. Feng Shui practitioners believe that placing a bamboo plant on the east side of a room will improve the flow of energy or "chi." Lucky Objects A horseshoe, open end up, on a door is believed to be a protective talisman in many cultures. | Source Dream catchers, from Native American culture, are considered good luck because they catch the negative images from dreams. See the Legend of Nokomis (below). Red lanterns are a symbol of luck in the Chinese culture. Horseshoes symbolize good luck, power over evil, good fortune, and fertility. Horseshoes are associated with a horse's strength and dependability. In an upright position, it is also symbolic of the moon. Pointing downwards, it is symbolic of the womb. To the Greeks, it symbolized the crescent moon, which was regarded as a symbol of fertility. A horseshoe protects one's house and land, keeping strangers away.

When a horseshoe is up on the wall or above a doorway, the "U" shape will hold good luck inside forever. This tradition may stem from the 10th century legend of Saint Dunstan, who trapped the devil using a horseshoe. From that point on, the devil would never enter a home adorned with a horseshoe over the door. Some legends say that an upward-pointing horseshoe gathers luck, while a downward-pointing horseshoe showers you with luck. Coins are lucky in many ways. There is a saying: "See a penny, pick it up and all day long you'll have good luck. Leave it there and you'll despair." Some take that idea further, and believe that if the coin is face down then it's best to leave it on the ground. Coins that are bent or have holes in them are luckiest of all, especially if they turn up as change after making a purchase. The luck of such coins is enhanced if they are carried in a left pocket or worn around the neck. A pot of gold is what you will find at the end of a rainbow, making it doubly lucky.

Some Coin-Related Superstitions You will have good luck if you keep a jar of pennies in the kitchen. The first coin you receive each day should be placed in an otherwise empty pocket and it will attract more coins. Coins bring good luck according to Feng Shui principles. Some say that a coin minted in a leap year will bring good fortune. Many people consider it lucky to carry a coin minted in their birth date. If you get pennies as change on a Monday, you will have good luck all week long. A coin in a new jacket, handbag, or wallet will bring good luck. The Legend of the Dream Catcher Source A spider was quietly spinning his web in his own space. It was beside the sleeping space of Nokomis, the grandmother. Each day, Nokomis watched the spider at work, quietly spinning away. One day as she was watching him, her grandson came in. "Nokomis-iya!" he shouted, glancing at the spider. He stomped over to the spider, picked up a shoe and went to hit it.

"No-keegwa," the old lady whispered, "don't hurt him." "Nokomis, why do you protect the spider" asked the little boy. The old lady smiled, but did not answer. When the boy left, the spider went to the old woman and thanked her for saving his life. He said to her, "For many days you have watched me spin and weave my web. You have admired my work. In return for saving my life, I will give you a gift." He smiled his special spider smile and moved away, spinning as he went. Soon the moon glistened on a magical silvery web moving gently in the window. "See how I spin," he said. "See and learn, for each web will snare bad dreams. Only good dreams will go through the small hole. This is my gift to you. Use it so that only good dreams will be remembered. The bad dreams will become hopelessly entangled in the web." What Do Lucky Shapes and Objects Mean? Ankh Buddhist cause and effect An ankh mirror from the Egyptian king Tutankhamun's tomb. | Source An ankh is a symbol of eternal life.

It comes to us from ancient Egypt, where it was an indispensable lucky charm for the Pharaohs. The gods are often seen holding an ankh to someone's lips. This was considered to be an offering of "the breath of life" that is needed in the afterlife. An axe can bring success. Archaeologists have unearthed talismans in the shape of an axe head in all parts of the world. They usually have holes in them, indicating that they were worn around the neck. Ancient art from the Far East, pre-Columbian America, the Mediterranean, and Africa frequently depicts a double-bladed axe to indicate power. Circles are one of mankind's oldest symbols of good fortune. They stand for eternity and are signs of completeness, perfection, and wholeness. The circle has given us many kinds of lucky symbols, including rings of every description and the circular designs of Amish hex signs, not to mention the wreaths we hang on our doors at Christmas time. Crescents are among the most powerful of all lucky symbols. The crescent is especially lucky for young children and their mothers. In ancient Egypt, the crescent moon was the symbol of Isis, the mother of the gods.

As its symbolism spread throughout the world, it eventually became a symbol of Paradise, when represented with a star. It is particularly significant in Islam. The cross has come to be a symbol of Christianity, but it was both a religious and lucky sign for centuries before the Christian era. It has been found in parts of the world the message of Christianity never reached. In most pagan religions, the cross represents the tree of life. In some ancient cultures, the crosspiece intersecting the upright piece, represented a ladder that helped a worshiper to reach God. In other cultures, the upright piece pointed the way to heaven and the crosspiece represented earthly influences. The hand is a powerful symbol of good luck in nearly every Mediterranean culture. In Muslim countries, the hand is made with the thumb and fingers outstretched in honor of Fatima, the favorite daughter of the prophet Mohammad. Fatima was one of only three women worthy of entering heaven. The thumb represents the prophet himself, the first finger represents Fatima, the middle finger her husband, and the others her two sons. The ancient Etruscans and Greeks wore lucky amulets representing a fist with the thumb tucked beneath the fingers.

Similar charms, with the index finger extended, were believed to have power to ward off the evil eye. Sometimes a simple hand gesture encourages good luck or helps ward off bad luck. In many countries, but especially in Italy, the evil eye is thwarted with the so-called "devil's horn:" the fist clenched with the index and little fingers outstretched. For more about lucky symbols, including the hand, read this article. A key is one of the oldest charms. | Source The heart is seen as a representation of love and wisdom in Christian tradition. In Egypt, the heart is seen as the center of our psychic energy and is thought to have power over the influences of black magic. In Islam, the heart is where understanding takes place. The horn signifies strength, power, and abundance. In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the horn represented the male phallus. Because of the horn's curved form, it is equally effective for both male and female as a sexual symbol. Sometimes called the horn of plenty, this charm signifies future wealth and prosperity. Like crescents, which they resemble, charms in the form of animal horns are believed to have great power over the evil eye. A key is among the most important symbols of luck.

It is also one of the oldest of charms. A key given as a gift between lovers is considered a symbol of unlocking the door to the heart. It is believed that the giver will be lucky in love. The Greeks and Romans believed keys represented the "Key of Life," which had the power to unlock the door through which prayers reached the gods. It was also used to promote remembrance of things past and foresight for things to come. The ancients attached special significance to keys made of silver, the metal sacred to the goddess Diana. She was the protector of doorways and thresholds, as well as the special guardian of mothers-to-be. In Japanese culture, three keys tied together are considered a powerful lucky charm. They enable the wearer to unlock the doors that lead to love, health, and wealth. According to the gypsies of Eastern Europe, a door key with a metal ring attached will ensure a good night's sleep, if it is hung upside down over the bed. It can also prevent nightmares. Ladders have been considered lucky symbols for centuries. The Egyptians usually placed them in their tombs to help the souls of the dead climb heavenward. They also carried ladder charms, to help them avoid earthly temptation.

Ladders are unlucky when they are leaned against a wall to form a triangle with the ground. The triangle's three sides are said by some to represent the basic family unit—father, mother, and child—and by others, the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Passing through the triangle is thought to violate the unity of the sacred unit. There is an antidote for walking under a ladder, of course. If you should unwittingly wander under a ladder, you can save yourself by crossing your fingers and spitting three times through the ladder's rungs. Triangles are the strongest form for structures. Practitioners of ancient religions also found mystical significance in triangles and fashioned charms and amulets in that shape. Triangles were thought to represent the cycle of life—birth, maturity, and death—and as such they symbolized harmony between humans and their gods. It was considered a sacrilege to break its perfect shape. The ancient Egyptians used triangles when they created the great pyramids, which many today regard as symbols of good luck, even though they are monuments to the dead. The architects who designed them combined four triangles to symbolize the coming together of earthly and heavenly forces.

Wheels represent eternity and are seen as a sign of good luck in many cultures. The Indian flag has Buddha's Wheel of Life as its centerpiece. It was said that Buddha himself drew such a wheel in a rice field to teach his followers that all creation is a series of causes and effects following each other like the turning of a wheel. Icons Symbolizing Luck Rubbing a Buddha statue's belly is said to be lucky. | Source Icons Symbolizing Luck Chimney sweeps are a sign of good luck, wealth and happiness. One legend from old England says that when King George was riding his horse in a royal procession, a dog suddenly ran from the crowd, barking and nipping at the King's horse. The horse reared, and to the horror of the crowd, almost threw the King. A lone figure, dressed in filthy rags, stepped into the road, caught the horse's halter, and calmed the animal, A chimney sweep had saved the King! Buddha charms or statue are thought to be lucky, especially if you rub the Buddha's belly. Kachinas represent native spirits to the Pueblo, Hopi, and Zuni nations of the American Southwest. Each doll is dressed in elaborate costume.

Although regularly used in tribal ceremonies, these dolls are also used as playthings by children and displayed in homes and sacred places. It is believed that by inviting the spirit represented by the doll into one's family, luck will come to that family in the form of good harvests and protection from natural disasters. Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travelers. Catholic people often place a Saint Christopher medal in their car. How to Find the North Star Lucky Symbols and Numbers The North Star, or Nautical Star, is seen as providing guidance, and it is a good luck symbol for sailors. The Star of Bethlehem guided the three wise men. In the Old Testament, the starry sky symbolized the numerous children of Abraham, and gave direction to the promised land. The Evil Eye wards off misfortune when worn as an amulet. Unlike other sources of good luck, whose resides in the possession of the object itself, the power of the evil eye amulet is to protect from the Evil Eye itself. The Number Seven is considered lucky by many different cultures and religions, In Christianity, seven represents self-sacrifice and higher virtue.

It appears repeatedly in scripture, as the seven lamps of the temple, seven wise and seven foolish virgins, and Christ's feeding of the multitude with five loaves and two fishes. The early Christian church taught that belief in God brings seven gifts: wisdom, understanding, honor, glory, blessings, strength, and godliness. It is also said that the seventh son of a seventh son has the power to heal and that the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter has the gift if interpreting dreams. According to ancient Japanese mythology, there are also Seven Gods of Fortune, who deliver gifts to worthy people on the New Year. Wish Makers A falling or shooting star is said to grant the wisher a secret wish. | Source A wishing well is a place where you toss a coin (or another symbol of good luck) and make a wish. The ancients believed that a token gift to the gods would keep the wells from running dry. They also believed that the gods of the sea could be kept happy if a few coins were occasionally thrown their way as a tribute. A custom observed all over the world, says that if you look for your reflection in the water and then make a wish after throwing a coin into it, the wish will be granted.

But when in Rome, remember that their sea gods will accept no less than three coins. A wishbone is a symbol of good luck. It also is a wish maker. If two people tug on the ends of a wishbone and each makes a wish, the person holding the bigger piece when the wishbone breaks will have their wish granted. A stray eyelash is seen as a wish maker, much like the wishbone. If a stray eyelash falls upon your cheek, place it on your finger, make a wish, then blow the eyelash away. A falling star, or "shooting" star as it is sometimes called, grants the person lucky enough to see it, a secret wish. Good Luck Gemstones Cymophane, or "Cat's Eye," is said to clear away obstacles. | Source Amber is thought to be a bit of the sun with the power to bring good fortune. The Greeks called amber "electron," which led to the modern word for electricity. Amber can give off sparks when rubbed, which may be why it is considered a lucky charm. Both Chinese and Muslim cultures burn amber as incense, to protect against evil spirits. Sapphires have symbolized good luck since ancient times.

The Greeks believed that wearing a sapphire invited the favor of the gods. In the ancient Middle East, this blue stone was believed to have supernatural powers. It is said to have been the centerpiece of King Solomon's ring.In India, sapphires bring health and wealth and in other cultures they are believed to repel spiders, protect virgins, and ward off envy. Sapphires are also the birthstone for the month of September, and so are particularly lucky for people born in that month. For more about lucky birthstones, read this article . Cat's eye clears obstacles and helps the bearer to move ahead in life. It also wards off the Evil Eye, ghosts, spirits, and negative planetary influences. In India, it is thought that if one carries a cat's-eye stone, one's fortune will never diminish. Among gamblers, it is the good luck charm of choice. Cat's eye protects one from unforeseen losses in business and ensures financial stability by guarding the owner's wealth.

Advertisement 12 Lucky Charms to Attract Good Luck in Your Life 12 Lucky Charms to Attract Good Luck in Your Life Search the site 12 Lucky Charms to Attract Good Luck in Your Life Feel More Positive with These Fun Lucky Charms By Sandra Grauschopf Updated October 19, 2016 Lucky charms: some people swear by them, and others think that they're silly. But whether or not it's possible to influence Lady Luck with a 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, here are some popular symbols to inspire you. 1 Lucky Four-Leaf Clover Charms Tomaz Sedonja/Getty Images Four-leaf clovers are an ancient Irish symbol of luck. The Celts believed that a four-leaf clover could help them see fairies and avoid fae mischief, a common source of bad luck. They believed the four leaves stand for faith, hope, love, and luck. Another legend has them standing for fame, wealth, health and faithful love.

There are many variations of clover that have four leaves all the time, but the lucky ones come from the white clover plant, also called Trifolium repens. True four-leaf clovers are rare, with only about one in 10,000 plants carrying the lucky leaves, but it's possible to find them with, you guessed it, a little luck. A Scientific America video on finding four-leaf clovers can help you use science to improve your odds. To know you've found a true four-leaf clover, look out for one leaflet that is smaller than the other three. If you'd like to have a four-leafed 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. Check out four-leaf clover crafts on Pinterest for tons of inspiration. 2 Lucky Horseshoe Charms Brian T. Evans/Getty Images Horseshoes are one of the best-known lucky superstitions , although there are various reasons why people believe they bring luck. Some people say that horseshoes are lucky because they were traditionally made of iron, which kept away mischievous fairies.

Another legend says that Saint Dunstan, a blacksmith, nailed a horseshoe to the devil's foot, and received a guarantee that the devil would stay away from any house with a horseshoe on the door. Whatever the reason for the legend, horseshoes make a fun lucky symbol to hang on the door of your home or computer room (just make sure that the points face up so that the horseshoe can fill with luck). Or use horseshoe stickers to decorate your computer (making sure you don't cover the ventilation holes). If you're looking for real horseshoes for your lucky charms, check out where to get used horseshoes for some ideas. If you'd rather craft yourself some horseshoe lucky charms, you can find free printable horseshoe templates in a variety of styles online. 3 Lucky Dice (Fuzzy or Otherwise) Charms Jerry Driendl/Getty Images Considering how many games of chance are played with dice, it's no surprise that they have become a symbol of luck. So why not show how much you love to roll the dice and come up with big wins by using fuzzy dice as your lucky talisman.

Some ideas: you could sew yourself a pair of fuzzy dice , or buy a bunch of brightly-colored dice and hot-glue them to your monitor stand or the edge of your desk. 4 Ladybugs are Good Luck Charms Westend61/Getty Images Ladybugs are popular insects worldwide, and many cultures believe that they bring luck. In German-speaking countries, they are literally called lucky bugs: "Glueckskaefer" There are various explanations for how ladybugs can make you lucky. Some cultures say that if a ladybug lands on you and you don't brush it off, you will be lucky. Others say that if a man and a woman see a ladybug at the same time, they'll fall in love. Still others say that some ladybugs are luckier than others -- the deeper red their color and the more spots they have, the luckier you'll be! Ladybugs are cute, and they can make excellent lucky symbols. Some ideas for ladybug charms include creating a cute ladybug pot for your computer desk, painting rocks to look like ladybugs , or having fun with other ladybug crafts. 5 Lucky Number Seven Charms MirageC/Getty Images Growing up, you may have heard that seven was the luckiest number without knowing why.

The number seven has been connected with luck, with perfection, and with gaining knowledge in many cultures throughout history. One reason for this might be that the number seven has special mathematical properties. The ancient Greeks called 7 "the perfect number," the sum of 3 (triangle) and 4 (square), which are perfect forms. Seven also crops up in a number of prominent places: There are 7 days of the week. There are 7 colors in the rainbow. There are 7 planets visible to the naked eye. The 7th son of a 7th son is supposed to be especially gifted and lucky. 7 is a winning roll in many games of chance. How can you adopt the lucky seven as a lucky charm? If the number itself doesn't excite you, how about making a grouping of seven lucky symbols: seven small crystals, for instance, or seven ladybugs charms. 6 Lucky Number Eight Charms Sabine Thielemann/EyeEm/Getty Images 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. 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 better fit your style. 7 Lucky Rabbit Foot Charms Steven Puetzer/Getty Images Lucky rabbit foot keychains, whether real or faux, are popular symbols of luck. But did you know that the tradition actually comes from hoodoo magic? The original legend says that the left hind foot of a rabbit that is captured in a cemetery at night can ward off evil magic. Yikes. Personally, I think I prefer rabbits' feet when they're attached to the rabbit. But there are fake rabbits' feet for sale if you don't want to harm a living bunny. You can also try sewing a lucky felt bunny for yourself or learn to draw your own lucky bunnies. 8 Ron Koeberer/Getty Images Rabbits aren't the only animals to be used as ​a lucky charm. For example: In feng shui, goldfish are said to attract luck and prosperity.

Dragons and horses are also considered lucky. In Germany, lucky pigs ("Glücksschwein") 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 considered the scarab beetle to be lucky. Given such a wide range of choices, it's pretty easy to find a favorite animal to serve as a lucky charm. 9 Lucky Bamboo Charms Duaa Awchi/EyeEm/Getty Images 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 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. 12 Dreamcatcher Luck Charms Jessica Mitchell Photography/Getty Images Dreamcatchers come from Native American lore. Looking like a web or net stretched over a loop and decorated with bright beads and feathers, they are said to catch bad dreams as they enter a household.

By capturing the disturbing dreams, they make the owner happier, more balanced, and luckier. Plus, they look pretty cool, too. Hang a dream catcher 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. Continue Reading Why are horseshoes considered to be lucky? | HowStuffWorks Why are horseshoes considered to be lucky? Horseshoes are thought to bring good luck and protection. Tadas_Zvinklys/ThinkStock Four-leaf clovers , rabbit's feet, heads-up pennies — all lucky charms for many people. Another common lucky charm? The horseshoe. Often seen hanging over the entrance of a home, given to a newlywed couple, or, more recently, worn as jewelry, horseshoes are thought to bring good luck and protection. Over the centuries, several origin stories emerged about why people the world over believe in the luck of the humble horseshoe. In the Irish story of the blacksmith and the devil, one day a blacksmith was working hard in his shop forging horseshoes. Suddenly, the devil appeared and demanded his own shoes.

The blacksmith, recognizing the devil, took a burning hot shoe and nailed it deep into the devil's hooves. After walking away, the devil was in such excruciating pain, he ripped the horseshoes off and swore he would never go near one again. Thus, the tradition of hanging a horseshoe over the entrance of a house to ward off evil spirits was born. Up Next Is 7/7/07 a lucky day? Another story has more to do with the metal in the horseshoes. Early Western Europeans believed that iron had magical powers. Iron could drive away evil, and folklore of the time told of many malevolent fairies and mystical creatures. Since horseshoes were made of iron, they kept the badly behaving fairies away. Other legends said that witches were so afraid of iron horseshoes, they traveled on broomsticks instead of on horseback. Yet another states that 8th-century Chaldeans believed the crescent shape of the horseshoe protected against the evil eye, thus making it a good luck charm [source: Kentucky Derby Museum ]. Even the number of holes in a horseshoe is lucky.

Horseshoes have seven holes to hold them in place on the horse's foot. Many cultures consider seven a lucky number, as it appears so frequently in our world — seven continents, seven colors in the rainbow, seven seas, seven days in the week ... you get the point. There does seem to be some contention, however, over how to hang a horseshoe. Some say you should hang it heels up, like the letter "u." Others say you should hang it heels down. Hanging a horseshoe heels up means it keeps all the good luck from running out of the shoe. But hanging a horseshoe heels down means it flows good luck down on everyone who walks underneath it. It's personal preference, but maybe it wouldn't hurt to have two, and hang one each way! 1 Good Luck Symbols, Symbols that bring good luck Five metals ring Lucky Rabbit's foot- Rabbits and hares were considered very lucky animals as they were associated with spring and the return of flowers and other plants. Spring was also a time of fertility and so rabbits were considered good luck to be seen running through the fields.

To see a rabbit running through your yard meant that it would be a good year to have children or that your garden would be especially fertile this year. The manner in which rabbits run gave birth to the superstition about rabbit's feet. Apparently their unusual stride makes the back feet touch the ground ahead of their front feet and so the back feet were considered especially lucky. Lucky Penny-Lots of superstitions center around money. Almost all forms of currency have at least one superstition associated with them. The most common superstition heard today, with respect to the penny, is the rhyming verse: "Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you'll have good luck." Wishbones have become a common tradition at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners. The general rule is that the wishbone is saved from the turkey or chicken dinner and dried overnight. The next day, two people snap it while making a wish. Each person uses their pinky finger to pull on an end. After the bone has broken, the one with the larger bit is granted their wish. Fu - Blessing, Good Fortune, Good Luck Fu is one of the most popular Chinese characters used in Chinese New Year.

It is often posted upside down on the front door of a house or an apartment. The upside down fu means good luck came since the character for upsite down in Chinese sounds the same as the character for came. Lu - Prosperity It used to mean official's salary in feudal China. Fengshui is believed to be the Chinese way to health, wealth and happiness. If you are interested in Fengshui, you may check out the book 'The Feng Shui Kit.' Shou - Longevity Shou also means life, age or birthday. Cai - wealth, money Chinese often say money can make a ghost turn a millstone. It is to say money really can do a lot of things. Ji - lucky, auspicious, propitious Hope all is well. Goldfish - Throughout the different cultures all over the world, goldfish are considered the harbingers of prosperity, growth, wealth, power, long life, wisdom and peace. They are kept in bowls or ponds to bring good luck in homes and work places. As one of the 8 sacred symbols of Buddha, goldfish are symbolic of abundance, fertility and harmony in life.

The ancient Egyptians believed them to be lucky omens that brought positivity in domestic situations, while the ancient Greek domesticated them to enhance good luck in relationships and marriages. The Chinese and Japanese also associate goldfish with growth and preservation of wealth and success. Acorn luck symbol - The acorn is considered to be an emblem of good luck, prosperity, youthfulness and power, the acorn is a good luck symbol. The acorn may often also represent spiritual growth. The Norse believed that acorns displayed on a windowsill would protect a house from lightening. This may seem somewhat trivial to many of us today but back in the day it was a widely accepted idea. Keys - Three keys worn together symbolise the unlocking of the doors to health, wealth and love. Rainbow - Rainbows are considered lucky by many people, because most people know that if we find the end of the rainbow, we will find a nice big pot of gold. The Tursaansydan or mursunsydan ("heart of the walrus") is an ancient symbol used in Northern Europe. It was especially popular in Lapland. Some say it was used on Lappish shaman drums. The symbol originates from prehistoric times and incorporates a swastika.

The tursaansydÃ¤n was believed to bring good luck and protect from curses, and was used as a decorative motif on wooden furniture and buildings in Finland. During the 18th century the simple swastika became more popular in Finnish wood decoration than the more complex tursaansydan. Dolphins are considered lucky by many peoples around the world, including the Ancient cultures of Greece, Sumer, Egypt, and Rome. For Christians and Native Americans, the dolphin is a symbol of protection, and it`s image is said to bring good luck. The belief comes from the known fact that ancient sailors who spent several months or years away from land, found that seeing dolphins swimming around their ships to be the first clear sign that land was near. Feathers are an ancient charm for bringing good luck and they represent the journey of the soul to the other realm. Tigers have long been considered lucky in chinese astrology. The tiger is also considered a protector against several evils, including being robbed and fires. Dreamcatchers, from the Native American culture, are considered to be good luck, because they catch the negative parts of our dreams. Amber - strengthens the aura, and also balances the yin and yang.

It attracts compassion, protects against evil influences, accidental injury and brings good luck. Hand - The Hand has been a good luck symbol in a number of cultures all over the world, including the Incas, Native Americans, Israelis, Greeks and Arabs. Charms shaped as the human hand have been considered to be very potent heralders of good fortune. The symbol is seen as representative of domination, strength, protection and spiritual power. Ancient Europeans believed that holding hand up could protect against the evil eye (leading to the popular adage ‘talk to my hand’). In Islam, The Hand of Fatima (daughter of Muhammad) is a good luck charm, with the five fingers symbolic of faith, pilgrimage, prayer, fasting and charity. The Jews believe that The Hand of Miriam charm would bring good fortune to the wearer. Ladybug Ladybug is a universal emblem of good luck and different cultures all over the world have long considered it to be a harbinger of prosperity. It is believed that landing of a live ladybug on you or wearing a ladybug talisman will free you from all problems and make your wishes come true. Moreover, it is said that bad luck befalls the one who kills a ladybug.

In the days of yore, farmers especially regarded the ladybug as a lucky omen and symbol of protection because it helped control the harmful pest population. More Symbols:

Question: What animal's foot is considered a good luck charm?
Answer: Rabbit