15 unexpected good luck charms from countries around the world

By Jacob Shamsian and Diana Yukari, INSIDER From Business Insider

maneki neko japan
Thousands of “Maneki-neko,” or beckoning cat figurines, at a shrine in Tokyo.AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi

In different countries, various types of symbols, talismans, charms, and amulets have become symbols for good luck.

They often tie into a country’s history in some way, whether through religion or national identity.

We’ve put together a collection of 15 good luck charms from around the world, along with an explanation of why they’re considered lucky.

From carp scales that are collected in Poland to Japan’s Maneki-Neko figurines, take a look at some of the most fascinating good luck symbols from around the globe.

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In several European countries, carp is a traditional Christmas meal. Once the meal is over, people retrieve the carp scales and sometimes put them in their wallets until the following Christmas Eve for good luck.

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These horses, which originated from the Dalarna region in Sweden, represent strength, wisdom, faithfulness, and dignity.

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They’re thought to ward off evil, so they’re worn as lucky charms. Five red bats stand for the five good fortunes of health, longevity, love, wealth, and virtue.

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Dolphins were often seen as a sign of protection. In ancient times, sailors who spent months at sea would understand the sight of dolphins to mean that land was nearby.

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Elephants represent power, stability, and wisdom in many countries — especially India. Ganesha, one of the best-known Hindu deities, has the head of an elephant.

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Figa charms repel bad energy and bring good fortune. It’s thought that the charms store all the luck you haven’t used yet.

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When hung over a person’s bed, a dreamcatcher is thought to screen the dreams as the flow by, letting only the good ones through.

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The hand-shaped charm can often be seen decorating family homes, public spaces, or offices. They ward off the evil eye. The symbol is rooted in ancient Mesopotamian religions.

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The scarab is associated with the rising of the sun and continual birth and rebirth in Egypt. It’s thought to represent new creation and eternal life, and to protect against all evils.

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Like the Hamsa, the Nazar is thought to protect one from the evil eye. It’s typically handmade with blue, white, light blue, and black glass. They’re seen in many countries, including Armenia, Romania, Albania, Afghanistan, and Iran.

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These cat figures, often displayed at business entrances, are thought to bring good luck to their owners. They vary in size and design.

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In Peru, it’s considered good luck to hang a tumi on the wall. The ceremonial knife — usually made of bronze, gold, silver, or copper — was formerly used in ritual ceremonies.

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In Germany, possessing pigs was seen as a sign of material wealth and prosperity during the middle ages, indicating that their owners would never go hungry.

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According to folklore, people who cannot fall asleep reveal their worries to the doll, which is then believed to take over their concerns and allow them to sleep.

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Acorns are considered symbols of youth, spiritual growth, and prosperity. They were long considered symbols of growth and power, being carried by the English during the Norman Conquest.

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