Good Luck Charm History

Good Luck Charms: An Abbreviated History

By Charles L Harmon

Back of the Catholic Saint Benedict Medal with the Vade Retro Satana abbreviation: 'Step back, Satan.'

 

As far back as the beginning of time, when God created earth and Adam and Eve, there have been symbols that people associated with good luck.  It is said that when God put Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden, Eve picked a four-leaf clover.  She took it with them to help her remember the good times in the Garden of Eden and to bring her good luck on their journey.

What is considered a “good luck charm” to some people might mean nothing to someone else.  A person’s good luck charm could be something that they were carrying or wearing when they had good luck.  Once an object is considered good luck it usually stays associated with good luck by that person from then on. Good luck charms, amulets, and talismans have two purposes.  They bring good luck and ward off bad luck.

Amulet & Talisman

An amulet, a close cousin of the talisman, consists of any object intended to bring good luck and/or protection to its owner. Potential amulets include: gems, especially engraved gems, statues, coins, drawings, pendants, rings, plants, animals, etc.; sometimes even words said in certain occasions—for example: vade retro satana—(Latin, “go back, Satan”), to repel evil or bad luck.

Jews, Christians, and Muslims have also at times used their holy books in a talisman-like manner in grave situations. For example, a bed-ridden and seriously ill person would have a holy book placed under part of the bed or cushion.

Crusades

During the crusades, the Nordic countries had their magical alphabet known as “runes” for protection and good luck.  They were carvings symbols of battle successes and soldiers carried them as they went into battle.

Ancient Africa Culture

The “lucky” rabbit’s foot that many people carry with them, came to our country when enslaved Africans brought the rabbit’s foot with them. They also considered the rabbit a sign of new, abundant life.  Another good luck charm that came from African voodoo ceremonies is the Mojo bag.  In this bag, they carried good luck items such as spices, feathers, teeth, and more.  When the bag was blessed, it would give the person carrying it a magical effect and good luck.

The Caribbean

Some of the people of the Caribbean believe that certain drawings are used as amulets, or talismans.  In certain types of voodoo and religions, different colored candles mean good luck.  They also believe that certain perfumes and essences can bring good luck.

If someone really believes they have good luck, whether it is a necklace, a bracelet, or something they carry in their pocket, it helps their performance in certain situations.  This can happen even if the good luck and the event are not linked.  What people believe are Good luck charms is as different as the cultures they emerged from. Passed down from generation to generation the information and charm may be misunderstood and changed.

Elephants are known to be good luck and you will get money. This seems silly. If you offered the elephant a dollar bill what would he do with it? Eat it, trash it, poop on it? Does the elephant know what a bank note is?  Does the elephant have connections that will send good luck or money your way? How can an elephant bring you good luck?

Good luck charms are found all over the world and among people of all nations and cultures. In today’s society, people may have Good luck charms that came to them from a family member.   Some may even be starting a tradition of having a good luck charm, and giving it to their child.  If you have something that you consider a good luck charm, do not let anyone tell you that it is not lucky.  If you feel it is lucky, then it is…to you and that is all that matters.

beginners -read these reports- learn about internet marketing

Copyright © 2010-2012 WishGoodLuck.com

 

Questions about Good Luck Charms

A Different Kind of Good Luck Charm you can Eat

Questions powered by Yahoo! Answers

 

Read More

Superstitions

Lucky Symbols

More Menu Selections

Feng Shui