For luck

Mascots have been an integral part of human life since prehistoric times. Even the ancient hunters worn as a talisman canine animal, and fishermen took to the sea charmed connected in knots of the rope. Times have changed, but people around the world continue to believe in the power of amulets.

Legend of the strange cat

In homes and on the streets of Japan can be found unusual figurines of cats with a raised paw – Maneki-neko (literally translated as "Inviting cat" or "beckoning cat"). It is believed that if a cat is raised right paw, it lures of money and luck, and if the left – buyers and customers. That is why such talismans can often be seen in front of the cafes, restaurants and shops.

Usually figurines Maneki-Neko made of clay or porcelain, rarely made of wood and papier-mâché. Traditionally they are made three-color, resembling ordinary cats – white with black and red spots. But there are also other colors. For example, red Maneki-neko protect the host against disease and evil spirits, black represent evil, bring good luck in the gold business and attract money and help the pink in love.

On the origin of this mascot many legends. One of them is rooted in the history of the temple Gotoku-ji Temple, which still stands in the western part of Tokyo. In the XVII century the church was half destroyed, but the money for the restoration of the abbot was not. The story goes that one day he sheltered in the monastery stray cat. Once the abbot looked at the cat and lamented: "It is a pity that you’re just a cat. Now, if you were a man, then you could help ".

Shortly past Gotoku-ji passed rich prince Ii Naotaka. The thunderstorm began, he went strong rain, and the traveler had a huge tree near the temple. Suddenly he noticed at the gate the abode of the strange cat, who manifes his paw. As soon as the prince approached the cat, in the tree, under which he was hiding, struck lightning and it scattered on sins. The cat held a guest to the temple, where he met the abbot. In gratitude for salvation and shelter, the prince gave him money to repair the temple. The abode has been preserved to the present day, and every year the ceremony in honor of Maeca-Naco is held here at the beginning of the spring.

How to put the horns

Best Talisman Good luck for Italians – Rog. From a long time, this magic amulet was worn as protection against the evil. Now he is intended to protect his owner from various troubles. Horn protects children from diseases, spouses – from infidelity, brings money and good luck in business. Mascots made of red corals, bones and gold. Diverse pendants with the image of the horns are sold in Italian jewelry stores. Mascot can hang at home as decoration or wear on the neck. There are even special plastic horns with a golden crown for decorating a long-range mirror in cars. But if there is no amulet at hand, and the Italian suspected the interlocutor in the "bad eye", in order to take trouble, it is enough to make a "goat" – all familiar gestures, when all the fingers are folded, and the index and the little fingers are exhibited ahead. Just need to ensure that your fingers are directed down. "Goat" with fingers upset may offend the interlocutor. This gesture means that he "instructed the horns", and in Italy to such insults are much more serious than suspicion of "bad eyes".

Than spits a three-lane toad

Much good luck to the Chinese three-lag with coin in the mouth. In Middle Kingdom, it is considered one of the most effective talismans that attract wealth and success in financial affairs. Usually, the shape of the toad is performed from metal or precious stones. Often it is cast from natural gold – a mascot attracting money, it should look expensive himself. As a rule, the toad is depicting coins or gold bars sitting on a stack.

How does the mascot work? The answer to this question is laid in an old legend. In ancient times, the three-wave toad was a malicious and vengery creature. It was very annoyed to people, and they asked help from Buddha. Buddha took a promise to help people. And for all the troubles caused, she had to pay, sprinkling gold coins. By the way, in the house of the toad, it is recommended to put in such a way that it seems that she just jumped into the room.

Blue eyes Crusaders

All tourists who visited Turkey saw numerous souvenirs in the form of a dark blue suspension with white and blue circles in the middle, inside which there is a black core, the so-called "eye from the evil eye". In fact, this is not just a banal souvenir for tourists, but the most real ancient talisman.

In Turkey, Amulet is called Nazar Bondjuk or just Nazar. Two legends are associated with it. One claims that the first such talisman to his beloved handed Fatima – the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed, when he accounted for him in a long and dangerous campaign. Therefore, the amulet is often called the "Eye of Fatima".

The second legend transfers us during the first crusades. Then people in the east were very frightened by the invasion of Western knight crusaders, many of which had blue eyes. Thus, with the help of a talisman, local residents defended not only from the disclosures of the devil, curses and evil intent of compatriots, but also from the invasion of unknown conquerors.

Now the value of the talisman has become much wider. In Turkey, he is hanging not only over the cradle of a newborn or carry as a pendant, but also adorn them entrance to shops and cafes. It is believed that the talisman not only protects the owners of institutions from the evil eye of competitors, but also brings good luck.

Beetle of the ascending Sun

In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was the personification of the Hepry – the god of the rising sun. The observant Egyptians noticed that the beetles roll out of manure perfectly shaped balls, which then move from place to place, pushing in front of them. It very much reminded the movement of the Sun in the sky, and in the teeth on the head of the beetle, people saw the similarity of sunlight. Since then, scarab has become a symbol of eternal life, success and good luck in new affairs.

Now in Egypt, images of the sacred beetle are decorated with boxes, mirrors, jewelry. It is believed that the amulet in the form of a scarab guards the travelers on the road, retains youth and beauty, helps to attract peace and prosperity to the house. Since scarab – the symbol of the sun, the figure of the legendary beetle is best placed near the window or in any well-lit place. Amber suspensions are very popular, inside which a real scarab is closed.