Good Luck Charms

Lucky Rabbit's Foot

The Rabbit's Foot

The belief that a rabbit's foot is lucky is common in American culture, but at one time in the past, this belief was considered a superstition, especially one of Afro-American origin. In earlier decades, it was only the left hind foot of the rabbit that was considered lucky and the wearer had to rub it to bring on good luck. This was because people noticed in amazement that when a rabbit ran, its hind feet went ahead of its front ones. Therefore, the hind feet were considered lucky. Some people also believed that the rabbit's foot was a source of protective magic.

Lucky Horse Shoe

 

 The Horseshoe

There is good reason to believe that the crescent form of the horseshoe links the symbol to the Moon goddess of ancient Europe, and that the protection invoked is that of the goddess herself, or, more particularly, of her sacred vulva. In regions where the horseshoe is placed facing upward, folks believe the horseshoe must point up "or the luck runs out." In places where it is hung facing downward, they say exactly the opposite - "it must point down so the luck can pour onto you." However, when it is placed over the doorways of barns and stables, the horseshoe usually points downward, and it is said that Ono witch will pass under it.

Four Leaf Clover

 

 

 

 All plants and clovers have leaf arrangements in sets of three. A four-leafed clover is a very rare occurrence and therefore considered lucky. One who finds a four-leafed clover is believed to be lucky. The clover must be plucked and kept for continued luck.

Wish Bone

 

 The Wishbone

The hen and the rooster were popular in ancient birdlore. Since the hen cackled when she laid an egg and the cock crowed at the beginning of the day, it was believed that these fowls had special powers and could answer human questions. After the hen oracle was performed, the fowl was sacrificed to a special god. Its collarbone was saved and hung in the sun to dry. The person seeking an answer from God made a wish on the bone, which gave it its name - the wishbone. Afterwards two people snapped the dry bone, each making his own wish. The person holding the longer end was believed to be granted his wish.