Even though the idea of good luck charms comes from ancient traditions, they remain part of cultural beliefs to this day. Across the world, people consider luck an important factor that determines their happiness. As a result, they often carry, wear, or keep specific objects that are believed to protect them from harm and attract positivity. People often name these objects “lucky charms.”
Historically, lucky charms came from the times when proper religions were not formed yet and society relied on different mystical beliefs to explain both good and horrifying events. In this article, we’ll explore five of the world’s most popular good luck charms every horror enthusiast should know to keep tragedies away.
1. Nazar
The lucky charm of Nazar, also known as the evil eye amulet, came from Turkey and later became very popular in Armenia, Albania, Iran, and Afghanistan as well. Nazar represents protection from misfortune and is often worn as a bracelet, ring, or necklace. It is usually blue-colored, as the color blue has the same meaning as the sky, where gods are watching over people.
As a horror enthusiast, you might have heard a common saying that an evil eye might be looking for you. This means that you never know when something good that is happening in your life will take a horrific turn. This is why wearing evil eye amulets has become a regular thing in all types of risk-taking activities. For instance, gamblers across the world often rely on their Nazars while playing online casino games like roulette or baccarat to ensure no evil eye can disrupt their luck.
2. Dreamcatcher
Bad dreams can be concerning, considering they have different meanings and explanations that affect us in many ways. Legends whisper that they can protect people from nightmares and help them remain clear-minded throughout the day.
In general, dreamcatchers are super common talismans among indigenous people of North America. To make dreamcatchers, they usually tie up strings, beads, and feathers together. However, not all types of dreamcatchers work as good luck charms. In order to make them work effectively, it’s important to keep them hanging on the bed’s side of the wall or the bed itself. It supposedly “catches” bad dreams and helps us get a good night’s sleep, free from spooky, vivid dreams.
3. Scarab
A scarab is a token shaped like a beetle that originates from ancient Egypt. According to ancient Egyptian traditions, the scarab brings health and eternal life. The beetle itself symbolizes growth and existence, as it represents the Egyptian god named Ra.
In Egyptian mythology, Ra is the god of the sun and, therefore, one of the most powerful beings, as the sun was worshipped. The scarab is also used as a good luck charm for the deceased. Whenever ancient Egyptians buried their loved ones, they would place scarabs in the coffins to ensure that the departed souls could be resurrected and live endlessly rather than suffer the torment of death.
4 Maneki-Neko
Maneki-Neko or “beckoning cat,” is an iconic good luck charm that comes from Japanese culture. Japanese people believe that this totem brings good fortune along with great success in life and prevents unexpected death. While people were afraid of cats in ancient Egypt, in Japan, they were treated as protective household guardians. Consequently, you can frequently notice Maneki-Neko on Japanese household entrances, restaurant tables, or just street shop displays.
While the exact origin story of Maneki-Neko is unknown, there are legends from the 17th-19th centuries about how a cat saved a regional leader named Naotaka. In the 1800s an old woman started creating these totems and they have been a part of Japanese culture ever since.
5. Elephant
The tradition of the elephant as a lucky charm originated in India and Thailand. While it is popular in many other places, particularly in these two countries, you will notice numerous elephant charms and figurines in the streets and households. This charm symbolizes abundance, strength, and most importantly, good fortune.
This belief is linked to the Hindu god Ganesh, who is the god of wisdom and luck and has an elephant head. Hindus sometimes fear that Ganesh may punish them if they do not keep the elephant charm with them. North Americans believe that for this charm to be most effective, the elephants must be raised so they can absorb all the fortune possible.
Bottom Line
We can certainly say that good luck charms are a necessary attribute for those who feel haunted by unlucky happenings or creatures. It can be quite interesting and intriguing how a single object can have the ability to shape our fortune and bring us good luck. If you’re someone who has been feeling a little out of luck lately, maybe you should consider getting any of these lucky charms and keeping them as close to you as you can.
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