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What is a Good Luck Charm?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A good luck charm is an object which is supposed to bring good luck to its carrier. Many cultures have beliefs about good luck charms and talismans which ward off evil and ill-fortune, ranging from carrying a rabbit's foot to keeping a cage of crickets in the kitchen. People around the world wear and use good luck charms, even in the case of individuals who are not particularly superstitious. Depending on the region of the world where one lives, a good luck charm may be a particular object, or a random object which has come to be associated with good fortune.

Humans have associated auspicious and inauspicious meanings with various objects for centuries. Certain colors and shapes, for example, were associated with luck and good fortune, while others were viewed as ominous. These beliefs have carried over into the present day in many cultures; in China, for example, red is a lucky color, and people often wear red on major occasions and keep red objects in their homes for good fortune. In some European countries, a horseshoe is used as a good luck charm over the door of a home.

Capturing crickets is sometimes part of a good luck belief.
Capturing crickets is sometimes part of a good luck belief.

Some good luck charms are worn, such as charm bracelets and necklaces with amulets. Others may be kept in a home or vehicle. Prayer cards, religious statues, and various lucky objects may be positioned in a particularly auspicious location in some regions of the world, while in others, they may simply be kept readily in view. In some cultures, objects can only bring good luck if they are blessed by a religious officiant, or if they are handled in a particular way. Some Catholics, for example, carry rosaries which are blessed by bishops and other high-ranking church officials.

Some Catholics wear rosaries blessed by bishops as a form of a good luck charm.
Some Catholics wear rosaries blessed by bishops as a form of a good luck charm.

People may also view living organisms as good luck charms. Certain animal species may be considered auspicious, or people may believe that animals of a particular color are especially lucky. Keeping such an animal is supposed to bring good fortune, and the death or disappearance of the animal may be viewed as a bad sign for its owner. Beliefs about lucky animals are varied; in some parts of India, for example, people leave gifts of milk out for snakes, while in Burma, white cats are considered lucky and blessed by the heavens. White cats may be carried in parades or kept in businesses as a good luck charm.

A four leaf-clover is a good luck charm.
A four leaf-clover is a good luck charm.

Individuals with deep-seated superstitious beliefs may view their good luck charms as extremely important. Even people with mild superstitions sometimes become extremely attached to their talismans, as for instance in the case of a lawyer who insists on using his or her “lucky pen” to sign all legal briefings. People may feel that if their good luck charm is not present, they are tempting fate when they engage in new endeavors.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a BeautyAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a BeautyAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Logicfest

You're right in pointing out that good luck and bad luck charms are often determined by culture. Take cats, for example. In the United States, black cats are considered bad luck while the opposite is true in Europe.

Even in the 21st century, this particular American still clings to some superstitions and I always tend to have a black cat around my house (I fall into the "they are good luck" category).

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    • Capturing crickets is sometimes part of a good luck belief.
      By: viter
      Capturing crickets is sometimes part of a good luck belief.
    • Some Catholics wear rosaries blessed by bishops as a form of a good luck charm.
      By: duncanandison
      Some Catholics wear rosaries blessed by bishops as a form of a good luck charm.
    • A four leaf-clover is a good luck charm.
      By: Ziablik
      A four leaf-clover is a good luck charm.
    • A St. Christopher medal may be considered a good luck charm.
      By: Zee
      A St. Christopher medal may be considered a good luck charm.
    • Charm bracelets are worn in the hopes of bringing good fortune.
      By: Ravenna
      Charm bracelets are worn in the hopes of bringing good fortune.
    • In Japan, an Omamori amulet is a small silk bag that holds prayers inside.
      By: Paylessimages
      In Japan, an Omamori amulet is a small silk bag that holds prayers inside.
    • Amulets are often kept as good luck charms.
      By: dimedrol68
      Amulets are often kept as good luck charms.
    • A horseshoe may be used as a good luck charm when hung over the door of a home.
      By: Stocksnapper
      A horseshoe may be used as a good luck charm when hung over the door of a home.