Folklore and Luck
Introduction
Because life is full of dangers real and imagined, folk traditions have been extremely popular as a way to attract good luck. Some of the ideas in this chapter may seem foolish to people living in the twenty-first century, but as long as people feel uncertain about their futures, they’ll use these—and other similar—methods to help put luck on their side.
I have an acorn sitting on my desk. One of my granddaughters gave it to me several years ago, and I’ve kept it ever since as a good luck charm. I often pick up an acorn if I happen to find one while out walking. I solemnly thank it for providing me with good luck, and keep it in my pocket for a day or two. It’s a small ritual that makes me feel good, and because of this I’m sure it makes me more alert for potential opportunities. I also cross my fingers, knock on wood, and do several other things in this chapter. After all, who knows? These actions might increase my luck.
Select one or two things from this section, and try them out for a few days to see what difference they make to your attitude and approach to life. A friend of mine wrote his favorite number on the back of a business card and placed it where it would be the first thing he saw each time he opened his wallet. Whenever he saw it, he felt motivated and enthusiastic. Because of this, he also felt lucky.
Another friend keeps a photograph of a chrysanthemum in her purse. It’s her favorite flower, and whenever she sees it, she thinks of the pleasant hours she’s spent working in her garden. This makes her realize how lucky she is.
I even put my barbecue apron on inside out during a particularly bad day. I have no idea if this gave me good luck, but the ridiculousness of it made me immediately feel happier, and the rest of the day went well.
283. Acorn
Acorns have always been considered a symbol of good luck. Because oaks are long-living trees, people felt that carrying an acorn as an amulet would enable them to both remain young at heart, and to lead a long life. An old superstition says that a house will not be struck by lightning if at least one acorn is resting on a windowsill. This belief comes from the legend that the Norse god Thor sheltered under an oak tree during a thunderstorm.
Acorns are plentiful and easy to keep in a pocket or purse. Whether you believe it will work, or not, it might be a good idea to carry one with you to ensure good luck and a long life.
284. Fingers Crossed
People around the world cross their fingers for luck when they’re starting something new. I remember crossing my fingers behind my back when I was a child, because I was telling a lie and thought this would cancel out the untruth. Traditionally, people crossed their fingers while telling a lie because they believed the devil wouldn’t be able to come and get them. I’ve met people who cross their fingers while passing graveyards for the same reason.
People frequently cross their fingers for luck when gambling or taking a minor risk.
People also cross their legs and arms to attract good luck.
285. Fishing
If you want to have good luck when you’re out fishing, you should spit on your bait before casting your line. Don’t be tempted to change rods when out fishing, as this creates bad luck. Of course, you can change rods if your first rod gets damaged in some way. It’s important to break in a new rod in the right location. If it’s a lightweight rod, for instance, you should break it in somewhere where there are plenty of the right sized fish. It’s good luck to fish against the wind.
Fishermen traditionally throw back the first fish they catch in the day, which attracts good luck. And if a group of fishermen go out together, the first one to catch a fish will enjoy good luck for the rest of the day.
286. Knock on Wood
Knocking on wood, or touching wood if you’re from the United Kingdom, is an ancient way of asking for good luck. In Pagan times, trees were believed to have souls to house gods. Consequently, they could be asked to protect the crops, provide rain in times of drought, and even help infertile couples to have children.
By knocking on wood, you are acknowledging and communicating with the god, or the soul of the tree, to ask for protection. Nowadays, instead of asking for good luck by knocking on wood, we ask for protection and acknowledge that luck has paid a role in our success.
287. Finding Good Luck
Traditionally, it’s considered lucky to find a button, a four-leaf clover, a coin, a horseshoe, a pencil, a pin, a postage stamp, a yellow ribbon, or anything that’s purple. It’s important from a luck point of view to pick the item up. If you don’t, the good luck will remain with the object and pass on to the first person who picks it up.
The luck of a coin is doubled if it’s found heads-up.
288. Lucky Pin
It’s a sign of good luck to see a pin and pick it up. As the rhyme goes, “All day long you’ll have good luck.” However, this doesn’t apply to all pins, only ordinary straight pins and closed safety pins. If the safety pin is open when you find it, it’s too late as all the luck will have vanished. Pins can be both lucky and unlucky, depending on the situation. Because they are sharp and pointed, they are potentially dangerous. Pins can protect you, but they can also harm you.
If you happen to be out somewhere and see a pin on the ground, you should pick it up as long as its point is facing away from you. This creates good luck. However, you “pick up sorrow” if you pick up a pin that is pointing toward you.
289. Housewarming
There are many good luck traditions that are invoked when moving house. You can draw good luck into the house by walking through every room while holding a loaf of a bread and a plate of salt. You can’t take an old broom into your new home, as that invites bad luck. A new broom brings good luck with it. The luckiest days for moving into a new home are Monday and Wednesday.
290. Lucky Clothes
Wearing anything blue will increase your luck. This is because heaven is blue (up in the sky), and consequently negative energies are repelled by this color. Brides traditionally wear something blue to attract good luck.
291. Lucky Ring
You can make an effective lucky charm from a piece of string. Tie it into a circle to symbolize a ring, and keep it in your wallet or purse. Touch it each time you open your wallet or purse, and you’ll receive good luck.
If you’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like, change the rings on your fingers and folklore says you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your luck.
292. Getting Dressed
When getting dressed in the morning, you should put the right sock or stocking on first. You should also put your right arm first into a shirt or blouse. These actions ensure you’ll have good luck throughout the day. Folklore also says that a man who puts his right leg into his trousers first will always be the master of the house. If he puts his left foot in first, he’ll be henpecked and receive little respect from other members of the household. He’ll attract good luck if he puts both legs into his trousers at the same time.
It’s good luck to accidentally put on an item of clothing inside out. This dates back to William the Conqueror, who accidentally put his chain mail on backwards before the Battle of Hastings. His courtiers were upset, as they considered this a bad omen. However, William reassured them by saying it was a good sign as he was about to progress from a duke to a king. It’s also good luck to accidentally put on mismatched stockings or socks. However, the luck remains only if you continue to wear the item or items that way for the rest of the day.
293. New Year’s Eve
There are many folk traditions performed all around the world to provide luck in the upcoming year. In Bolivia, for instance, people eat twelve grapes at midnight. In Scotland, people believe that the first person to cross the threshold of the house determines the luck of the occupants. Consequently, at midnight the perfect visitor is a dark-haired man with a coin, a lump of coal, and a small piece of bread. It’s even better if he also carries a bottle of whisky. These symbolize money, food, and warmth.
A traditional belief says that anyone who finishes a bottle of alcohol on New Year’s Eve will enjoy good luck in the months ahead.
Having plenty of food and drink in the cupboards on New Year’s Eve symbolically demonstrates that you’ll always have plenty to eat and drink in the next twelve months.
All outstanding debts should be paid on New Year’s Eve. This ensures there’ll be no unexpected debts in the next twelve months.
Staying up until midnight to welcome the New Year in is a popular pastime. It used to be called “ringing in” the new year, as all the church bells were rung at midnight. The custom of celebrating until the New Year arrived was originally done to drive away evil spirits. Consequently, parties were supposed to be noisy as well as joyful.
294. New Clothes on New Year’s Day
Folklore says you’ll receive a year of good luck if you wear new clothes on New Year’s Day. Red clothes are believed to be highly auspicious, and foretell that you’ll receive many more new items of clothing during the upcoming year.
295. If You’re Born on January 1
January 1 is said to be the luckiest day of the year. Consequently, if you were born on this day, it’s said that good luck will follow you everywhere you go. However, this doesn’t protect you from stupidity and excessive risk-taking!
296. Dancing Around a Tree
Another charming superstition says you’ll enjoy a year of good luck if you dance around a tree on New Year’s Day. The tree must be outdoors. You can’t dance around your Christmas tree, for instance.
Many years ago, I knew a lady who danced around her potted plants before bringing them indoors for winter. She believed this created good luck for both her and the plants.
297. Rubbing Your Way to Luck
Most people know that it’s lucky to rub the ample stomach of the Laughing Buddha. They may not realize that the Laughing Buddha is actually Budai, an eccentric monk who lived in China eleven hundred years ago.
It’s also common to rub the head of a bald man for luck. One bald-headed man I know dislikes this but puts up with it as he says he’s bound to receive a bit of good luck for allowing the rubbing to happen. Other friends say they like it, as it gives them special attention and gives them good luck. Justin Verlander, the Detroit Tigers pitcher, was recorded rubbing the head of Doug Teter, the team’s trainer, for luck.1
Rubbing the statue of a famous person also provides good luck. The nose and the feet are supposed to be the luckiest places to rub.
The word rub has another meaning, too. People enjoy sitting next to lucky people as they hope some of the good luck will rub off onto them.
298. Catch a Falling Leaf
People all around the world believe that catching a leaf as it falls from a tree attracts good luck. You need to keep the leaf in a safe place to ensure the good luck continues to flow your way.
299. Catch a Falling Star
It’s a sign of extreme good luck if two lovers happen to see a falling star at the same time. They should make a wish as soon as they see it. Falling stars are also lucky for travelers, people who are unwell, and people who are searching for a partner.
Perry Como’s famous song “Catch a Falling Star,” written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss, was recorded in 1957. It’s remained popular for many reasons, including its positive, upbeat message.
300. Keep a Penny in Your Shoes
Keeping a penny in one of your shoes is said to be a good way to attract good luck, especially if the coin was minted in the year you were born.
301. Silver Coins and the New Moon
You can attract good luck by placing two or more silver coins in the palm of your left hand on the night of the new moon. Go outside and gaze at the moon while gently rubbing the coins with the fingers of your right hand.
302. Caterpillar
Hairy caterpillars are considered a sign of good luck. To activate the luck, you need to pick the caterpillar up and toss it over your shoulder. This might not be lucky for the caterpillar, but is said to be good for the person who finds it.
303. From Left to Right
Sir Winston Churchill loved champagne, and at the start of any important meal a bottle of chilled champagne would be placed in front of him. Churchill would pour a glass for himself, and everyone else within reach. After this, he would pass the bottle to his left and tell the other guests to help themselves.
It was important for Churchill to pass the glass to his left. He was acting on an old superstition that says it’s good luck to pass to the left. (Conversely, it’s bad luck to pass to the right.) It’s good luck because in the northern hemisphere the sun appears to cross the sky from left to right if you’re facing south.
304. Pricking a Finger
If you accidentally prick your finger on your birthday, you should allow three drops of blood to fall onto a clean handkerchief. If you carry this handkerchief with you, it will bring you good luck.
305. Lucky Rainbows
Seeing a rainbow is a sign of good luck, as it symbolizes the bridging of the natural and supernatural worlds. In the United Kingdom, it’s lucky to see a rainbow as long as you don’t point at it. Pointing at a rainbow brings instant bad luck.
There’s a charming story told in many parts of the world saying that there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Even if there’s no pot of gold, the spot where the rainbow touches the ground is said to be lucky. The legend of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow relates to how the sight of a rainbow can bring positivity and good luck. It’s considered especially good luck to see both ends of the rainbow. Many people make a wish whenever they see a rainbow.
In Norse legend, a rainbow is said to be a bridge for souls that leads to the land of the gods. In parts of Europe, the souls of deceased children are said to travel along a rainbow to get to heaven. Their guardian angels keep them company along the way.
In the Bible, God created a rainbow as a token of the covenant made with Noah that he would never again destroy the world with a flood. “And God said, ‘This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a covenant between me and the earth’” (Genesis 9:12–13). As Noah saw a rainbow near the end of his time on the ark, some people believe that a rainbow is a sign that God will never flood the entire world again.
In 1978, Gilbert Baker created a rainbow flag for the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. It quickly became the international symbol of gay pride, and in 1986 was recognized by the International Flag Association as a genuine flag.
306. Sneezing
Most people are not aware that sneezing twice is a sign of good luck. Sneezing once or three times is bad luck. In the past, many people believed that the soul could escape from the body during a sneeze. Saying, “God bless you” or “Gesundheit” (“good health”) protected the person until his or her soul returned again. Saying these words also provides good luck to you and the person who is sneezing.
It’s also a sign of good luck for a sick person to sneeze. This is said to be a sign that he or she is recovering. The first sneeze a baby makes is also a sign of good luck. This is because people used to believe that people with low intelligence couldn’t sneeze. Consequently, parents would be highly relieved when their baby sneezed for the first time.
It’s a sign of good luck for the whole family when their cat sneezes. It’s also good luck if two people happen to sneeze at the same time.
307. Specks on the Fingernails
White spots on the fingernails are a sign of good luck, and an indication that money is on its way. An old English rhyme refers to this:
Specks on the fingers,
Fortune lingers.
Specks on the thumb,
Fortune surely comes.
The first reference to lucky spots on fingernails can be found in The Zohar (ii. 76a), a Jewish mystical text that was first published in the thirteenth century, but is said to be hundreds of years older than that.
308. Lucky Numbers
Certain numbers have always been considered lucky. The ancient art of numerology, which describes character and predicts the future using numbers from people’s dates of birth, meant people were familiar with the concept of lucky and unlucky numbers.
If the sum of all the numbers in your date of birth is divisible by seven, you will be protected and lucky throughout life.
If someone asks you to name your lucky number, the chances are you’ll say an odd number. Odd numbers, with the exception of thirteen, are considered luckier than even numbers. More than two thousand years ago, Virgil (70–19 BCE) wrote in his eighth Eclogue: “God delights in odd numbers.” Chinese pagodas always contain an odd number of stories. They provide good luck to the area they are built in.
Most lucky numbers are single digits. However, a few people pick eleven and twenty-two, as these are called “master numbers” in numerology.
309. One
One is a lucky number as it is associated with one God and one sun. It is associated with creation and life itself. People born on the first of any month are said to be luckier than people born on other days.
310. Two
Two is a lucky number as it symbolizes harmony, balance, and the two sexes. As two is comprised of two ones, this number is associated with pairs, such as man and woman, and love and marriage. Number one relates to the sun, and two relates to the moon.
311. Three
Three is considered a lucky number. Pythagoras (c.580–c.500), the Greek philosopher and mathematician, considered three to be the perfect number. The Greek prophetess Pythia sat on a three-legged stool to make her prognostications. Three symbolizes the miracle of birth, as a man and a woman create a child. Three also symbolizes birth, life, and death. In Christianity, three is the number of the Trinity. In China, the third day of the new moon is considered the luckiest of the month. The triangle has three sides, and is considered a potent magical symbol that wards off evil. Many lucky rituals need to be repeated three times. There is also a strong belief that the third attempt at anything is “a charm.” We also have three cheers, three wishes, and three strikes before you’re out.
312. Four
Four is considered the luckiest even number, as so many important things come in fours. For instance, there are four cardinal directions, four gospels, four evangelists, and four suits in decks of tarot and regular playing cards. There are also the four classical elements of fire, earth, air, and water. There are four seasons: spring, summer, autumn or fall, and winter. There are also four qualities: hot, cold, moist, and dry.
313. Five
Five was possibly considered lucky as people have five fingers on each hand and five toes on each foot. The ancient Greeks and Romans considered five to be a lucky number, and used a five-pointed star as a protective amulet. In Roman weddings, guests were introduced in groups of five. Five wise and five foolish virgins are mentioned in the Bible. There are also five elements in Eastern philosophy: fire, earth, water, metal, and wood.
314. Six
Six symbolizes creation, as God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Six is considered a perfect number as it is the sum of 1+2+3. People born on the sixth of the month are believed to have a talent at foretelling the future. Six is an unlucky number for dishonest people.
315. Seven
The ancient Greeks considered seven to be the perfect number. This was because it is the sum of the triangle and square, which are considered perfect shapes. They also noticed the phases of the moon that change every seven days. There are seven days in a week, seven deadly sins, and seven wonders of the ancient world. In the Bible, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Five planets, plus the sun and moon, can be seen by the human eye, and there are seven colors in a rainbow. Seven cannot be divided by any other number. The seventh son of a seventh son is believed to have the gift of second sight, as well as healing powers. There are seven gods of luck in Japanese folklore. The Islamic seventh heaven is the home of God and people say they’re in “seventh heaven” when they’re overjoyed and full of happiness.
It’s said to be good luck to have seven letters in your first or last name. Seven is supposed to be a particularly lucky number for gamblers.
316. Eight
The ancient Pythagoreans considered eight a solid, reliable number. Eight was a symbol of the Egyptian god Thoth, who poured the water of purification on the heads of people initiated to his religion. Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772), the Swedish mystic, also related eight to purification. Eight is considered a lucky number for people seeking financial and material success.
Eight has always been considered a lucky number in China as it is a sign of money in the near future. 888 is an extremely fortunate number in China as it means “wealth, wealth, wealth.”
317. Nine
Nine is considered a lucky number as it is the sum of three, a lucky number, multiplied by itself. As the period from conception to birth is nine months, nine is often associated with fertility. A number of expressions use the number nine. A cat has nine lives, someone can become a nine-day wonder, and a stitch in time can save nine.
318. Ten
Ten has been considered a lucky number for thousands of years. As human beings have ten fingers and ten toes, it has always symbolized completion. Aristotle considered ten to be “the total of all things.” The Pythagoreans considered ten to symbolize all of creation, and depicted it as a star with ten points. In the Jewish tradition, it is the number of completion, which might explain why God revealed ten commandments to Moses. In China, ten symbolizes balance.
319. Eleven
Eleven is considered a lucky number as, according to numerology, it enables the person who chooses it to develop psychically and spiritually, until he or she is able to inspire others with his or her example.
320. Twelve
Twelve symbolized space and time in ancient astronomy and astrology. This is why we have twelve signs of the zodiac, twelve months in the year, and twelve hours each of day- and nighttime. The Chinese have twelve groups of years in their system of astrology. In the later Greek tradition, twelve gods ruled Mount Olympus. Twelve plays an important role in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Jacob had twelve sons, and consequently the twelve tribes of Israel. There were twelve jewels in the priest’s breastplate. Jesus had twelve disciples. Christians celebrate the twelve days of Christmas.
Twelve is considered a lucky number in any dealings involving time, such as twelve hours, days, weeks, months, or years.
321. Thirteen
It’s fascinating how things change over time. Nowadays, thirteen is considered an unlucky number, but in the past it meant the opposite. There’s a tradition that says anyone born on Friday the thirteenth of any month will always be lucky.
In Judaism, boys celebrate their bar mitzah when they’re thirteen. In addition, the Orthodox Jewish prayer book includes “the thirteen principles of faith” and discusses the thirteen attributes of God.
There are thirteen stripes on the flag of the United States. These symbolize the thirteen original colonies. The Great Seal of the United States is on the back of the one dollar bill. It contains several thirteens in it. The eagle’s shield contains thirteen stripes, the eagle’s left talon holds thirteen arrows, and the right talon holds an olive branch with thirteen leaves and thirteen berries. The circle above the eagle’s head contains a constellation of thirteen stars. Even the Latin motto in the eagle’s beak (E Pluribus Unum) contains thirteen letters. The reverse side of the Great Seal is also shown on the reverse side of the bill. It contains a pyramid built from thirteen layers of stone. The Latin phrase above the pyramid (Annuit Coeptis) also contains thirteen letters. All these thirteens relate to the original thirteen colonies, and symbolize regeneration, renewal, and a new world.
Gamblers, who are amongst the most superstitious people of all, consider thirteen a lucky number. “Lucky” thirteen is a popular number to play, especially on Friday the thirteenth.
322. Twenty-Two
Twenty-two is sometimes referred to as the “master builder” in numerology. It’s a lucky number, as it gives the person who chooses it the potential to develop enormous power that can benefit all humanity. Unfortunately, it usually remains as a potential, as it is extremely difficult to harness and use the energies provided by this number.
323. Pea Pods
Most people buy their peas, rather than growing them, and consequently miss out on a charming way of gaining good luck. If you’re shelling peas and happen to find a single pea in a pod, you’ll be lucky for a whole month. If you find nine peas in a pod, the luck will last for twelve months. This luck is doubled if you find one or nine peas in the very first pod you shell.
324. Wishbone
If you’re fortunate enough to receive the wishbone while eating chicken, you can make a wish with it. You may do this immediately by crooking your little finger around one end of the wishbone and offering the other end to the person next to you. Once he or she has a little finger crooked around the other end, you can pull together while making a silent wish. The person who receives the larger part of the bone will have his or her wish granted.
Alternatively, you can put the wishbone to one side and allow it to dry out thoroughly, and then go through the same procedure.
It’s important that you take this opportunity seriously. Consequently, you shouldn’t laugh or make jokes while holding a wishbone. You must keep your wish a secret until after it has been granted.
The furcula, better known as the wishbone, from a chicken or turkey makes an extremely potent good luck charm. When the wishbone is pulled, both people need to make a wish. The person who receives the capped end will have his or her wish granted. Less well known is that the other person will also receive some good luck in the near future.
The origin of this belief is unknown, but it probably relates to the crowing of the rooster to announce the coming day, and the clucking of a hen to indicate she’ll shortly be laying an egg. This showed they were able to see into the future.
325. Carnation
The carnation is considered a lucky flower for people born in January. It is considered a symbol of female love. An old legend says the carnation first appeared on earth to celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s a nice story, but there is evidence that the carnation was present well before the birth of Jesus. A superstition about carnations says that the plant grew beside the graves of lovers. Because of this, it became popular as a flower in funeral wreaths. On a brighter note, carnations are also said to restore the joys of life to people suffering from melancholy.
326. Violet
The violet is considered a lucky flower for people born in February. The ancient Greeks had several legends about the origin of this flower. One day Orpheus placed his lyre on the ground. When he picked it up again he discovered violets growing under it. Napoleon Bonaparte loved violets and wore one as his badge of honor when he was exiled. Because of this, he was frequently called “Corporal Violette,” and violets were banned in France for many years after the Battle of Waterloo.
327. Daffodil
The daffodil is considered a lucky flower for people born in March. In the nineteenth century, Wales adopted the daffodil as a symbol. William Wordsworth wrote his famous poem Daffodils after being inspired by the beauty of its flowers. If the narcissus flowers during the Chinese New Year, it’s a sign of good luck, wealth, and abundance.
An old tradition says that the first person in the household to see a daffodil at the start of spring will receive good luck during the next twelve months. It’s good luck to bring bunches of daffodils indoors, but it’s considered bad luck to bring a single daffodil inside on its own.
328. Daisy
The daisy is considered a lucky flower for people born in April. In folklore it’s related to innocence, purity, and peace of mind. An old tradition says that if a newly married woman wants a child, she should keep a daisy inside her left stocking. Even today children pull the petals of a daisy while reciting, “s/he love me, s/he loves me not” to see if someone truly loves them. Even though it’s a common, often overlooked flower, it’s a sign of true love to give one to the special person in your life. The daisy is a lucky flower for people in love.
329. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley is considered a lucky flower for people born in May. An old legend says that these flowers were created by Eve’s tears as she left the Garden of Eden. In Ireland, they say lily of the valley is a small ladder. Fairies are said to run up and down this ladder ringing bells.
Christians dedicated the lily of the valley to the Virgin Mary, which is why it is a symbol of purity. In the United Kingdom, this plant is still sometimes called “our Lady’s tears.”
As well as attracting good luck, this flower is also said to be able to cheer up even the saddest person.
330. Honeysuckle
The honeysuckle is considered a lucky flower for people born in June. The Chinese use it as a powerful herb that eliminates toxins from the body. In much of Asia, the honeysuckle symbolizes longevity because its winding vines join together and appear to have no end. In Europe, the honeysuckle symbolizes love and protection, and it’s good luck to grow it in your garden. If you display the flowers indoors they will attract prosperity.
331. Water Lily
The water lily is considered a lucky flower for people born in July. “Lucky bamboo,” a variety of water lily, has become popular in the West, as it is said to bring luck and good fortune into the home.
332. Gladiolus
The gladiolus is considered a lucky flower for people born in August. Gardeners love this perennial plant, as it’s easy to grow, and provides a profusion of beautiful flowers. They are thought to be the plants that Jesus called “lilies of the field” because they are so abundant in the Holy Land. They help people gain strength of character, and they also help people who are looking for a partner.
333. Morning Glory
The morning glory is considered a lucky flower for people born in September. In folk magic it’s used to provide confidence, strength, success, and good luck. The root of this plant is called John the Conqueror in Hoodoo, and it is rubbed to provide good luck in gambling and love.
334. Calendula
The calendula is considered a lucky flower for people born in October. It is also considered a lucky herb for anyone involved in money matters, especially gambling. Gamblers would put some calendula petals into a small bag, which they placed under their pillow. This encouraged prophetic dreams that included lucky numbers. Wreaths of calendula leaves used to be hung over doors to prevent evil spirits from entering the home. The smell of calendula helps people realize that they already possess all the talents they need to make a success of this incarnation.
335. Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum is considered a lucky flower for people born in November. It was a popular flower in ancient Egypt and Greece, and has always been popular in Japan and China. The chrysanthemum symbolizes perfection to the Japanese, and the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum is the highest possible honor one can receive in Japan. In China, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of longevity and perfection. Drinking water with chrysanthemums was considered lucky, and people believed it would enable people to live longer, and enjoy a life of ease. Chrysanthemum petals are popular as garnish for salads.
336. Narcissus
Narcissus is the botanical name for daffodil, and is considered a lucky flower for people born in December. However, because of the legend about a young man called Narcissus, this plant has been associated with egotism and self-love for thousands of years. Narcissus loved only himself. One day he was admiring his reflection in a pool of water and fell in while trying to touch it. When his body was recovered, it had changed into a flower. Despite this sad story, the narcissus is lucky for anyone born in December, and anyone seeking worthwhile goals.
337. Holly
In ancient Rome, holly symbolized friendship, and was given to friends in midwinter as a gesture of goodwill. In northern Europe, people hung holly on their doors to create good luck. They also believed wood spirits sheltered from the cold winds inside holly plants, and would provide protection for the home.
Holly became associated with Christianity as people thought the crown of thorns that Jesus wore was made of holly. They also believed the holly’s berries were originally yellow, but became red after the Crucifixion to symbolize Christ’s blood.
In addition to being a charming Christmas symbol, holly provides protection for the home and attracts good luck and happiness to the people who live there.
338. Myrtle
The Greeks dedicated the myrtle to Aphrodite and considered it a symbol of love. In Rome, groves of myrtle surrounded the temple of Venus. The association with love still applies in Wales. Couples plant myrtle on each side of their home to preserve their love and to ensure harmony in the home. Myrtle is considered a sign of good luck in the United Kingdom.
339. Beginner’s Luck
An old superstition says that beginners in any field of activity receive a special sort of luck. This may or may not be true; however, the law of averages ensures that any special luck beginners might possess is only temporary. In English football, it’s traditional for the oldest person on the team to pass the ball to the newest member as the final part of the warm-up before a game. This ensures that the beginner’s luck will extend to every member of the team.
340. Breath
Breath has always been associated with the spirit, and many ancient words for “breath” also meant “spirit.” The Hebrew ruach, Greek pneuma, and Latin spiritus are all examples. The concept of breathing on something for luck is thousands of years old, and is still practiced today. Gamblers frequently blow on their cards or dice for luck, and people who buy lottery tickets blow on them for the same reason.
341. Wishing Well
People have made wishes while tossing coins into ponds, springs, wells, and fountains for thousands of years. This came about because water is essential for all life. Consequently, anywhere water appeared to come from was considered holy, and people believed it was looked after by spirits and gods. Prayers and sacrifices were made to these spirits to encourage prosperity and good luck.
Today it’s considered a charming tradition, but the ritual of formulating a wish and tossing a coin helps people focus on a specific desire and consequently attracts good luck.
342. Double Your Luck
I learned this tradition on a recent visit to the United Kingdom. I was walking along a village street with two good friends and happened to notice a ten pence coin lying on the road. I bent down to pick it up, and as soon as I stood up again, my friend handed me another coin and said, “Double your luck!” Apparently, your luck is doubled if someone immediately hands you a coin of the same denomination as the one you’ve found. I bought a tiny bag to keep them in, and whenever I become aware of it in my pocket I say to myself, “Double your luck!”
343. Playing Cards
An old saying says that people who are lucky with cards are unlucky in love, and vice versa. If the game of cards is not going your way, you can change your luck by blowing on the cards while shuffling them.
If you have a lucky card, you should touch it with your index finger before starting to play.
344. Chimney Sweep
Hundreds of years before Julie Andrews sang about luck and chimney sweeps in Mary Poppins, chimney sweeps were considered to carry good luck with them everywhere they went. This tradition began in eighteenth-century England when a sweep saved a king on a runaway horse. Before the king had time to thank him, the sweep had disappeared into the crowd. Some sources say it was King George III who was saved by the chimney sweep.
Kissing or shaking hands with a chimney sweep is extremely lucky, and ensures a happy marriage. It’s good luck for a bride to see a chimney sweep while on the way to her wedding. In the United Kingdom, it’s possible to hire a chimney sweep to be at the right place at the right time to ensure that the bride-to-be sees him as she goes past.
345. Lucky Circle
The circle has always been a symbol of completeness, wholeness, perfection, and good luck. It probably gained the good luck association because of the sun’s apparent circle around the earth.
Because the circle was lucky, people started thinking that evil spirits would not be able to cross it. Consequently, wreaths, rings, and other circular items were invented to provide protection. Even lipstick became associated with this. Because people thought evil spirits could enter the body through the mouth, they started painting a red circle around it to provide protection.
346. Lucky Feather
It’s a sign of good luck to find a feather. You should pick it up and stick it into the ground. The luck is doubled if you find a black feather. Many people believe white feathers come from angels, and they’re a sign of protection and good luck. If you find a white feather, you might decide to keep it as a good luck charm.
347. Iron
Iron has been considered lucky since prehistoric times. People watched meteors flying through space and landing on the earth. As the metal must have come from heaven, weapons made from this meteoric iron must have seemed like a special gift from the gods. People armed with weapons made from iron could easily defeat people without metal weapons. This increased the belief in the powerful, magical, and lucky properties of iron.
Even today, some people place an iron object such as a knife under a doormat to protect the home and provide good luck.
348. Leaves
It’s considered good luck for dead leaves to blow into your home. However, it’s considered bad luck to carry dead leaves inside.
It’s also good luck to catch leaves as they fall from a tree. You need to catch them before they touch the ground. Each leaf caught provides a month of good luck.
349. Orange
The orange is considered a lucky fruit, especially for lovers. Folklore says that if a young man gives his girlfriend an orange their love will grow.
Orange blossom is a well-known floral fertility symbol that was introduced into Europe by soldiers returning from the Crusades. The tradition of decorating a bride with orange blossoms began in France and was introduced to England in the early nineteenth century. The white blossom is a symbol of innocence, and the fruit signifies fruitfulness. Consequently, brides carry orange blossoms for luck and to ensure the marriage will produce children.
350. Sage
Sage is considered a lucky plant for many reasons. It is said to improve the memory, provide wisdom, avert the evil eye, ease the pain of childbirth, absorb negativity, and provide good luck. Surprisingly, with all of these things in its favor, it’s considered unlucky to plant it in your own garden! It’s best to obtain your sage from someone else.
You can also write a wish on a sage leaf and then burn it to send the wish out into the universe. As long as you believe it will work, your wish will be granted.
351. Baker’s Dozen
The term “baker’s dozen” means thirteen items, rather than twelve. The expression dates back at least five hundred years, and its origin is unknown. It probably came about when bakers included an extra loaf with every twelve to protect them from being accused of short-weighing the loaves. I remember my mother always being delighted when our local baker gave us a baker’s dozen when she bought bread rolls or buns. She considered it good luck.
When we buy coffee beans at our local coffee shop, the owner weighs them carefully, and then deliberately adds a little bit more. He calls this his “baker’s dozen.” Nowadays, it seems to mean receiving a little bit more than expected. Whenever this happens to you, remind yourself how lucky you are.
352. Shoelaces
It’s a sign of good luck to find that your shoelaces have formed a knot. It means good luck will stay with you all day. You can make a silent wish for yourself while doing up someone else’s shoelaces. It’s bad luck to wear shoelaces of different colors. Brown and black is a particularly bad combination, as black is the color of death, and brown is the color of the earth in the graveyard.
353. Shoes
The tradition of tying an old boot to the back of the bridal car came about because shoes are considered lucky. You can increase your luck by standing on the toes of a new pair of shoes. Children often do this for fun, not knowing that it was originally done to create good luck.
354. Silver
Silver has always been considered a lucky metal, and people often collect items made from it for both aesthetic purposes and to ensure their future prosperity. Silver coins and antique silver are examples of silver objects that are sought after by collectors and investors who often have no idea that they’re also increasing their luck at the same time.
355. Thimble
People seldom make their own clothes nowadays, but some traditions applicable to this still apply. Thimbles, for instance, are still given for luck. However, it’s bad luck to be given three of them at the same time, as this means the recipient will never marry. My grandmother made wedding gowns, and had a huge collection of thimbles she’d been given by her clients. She kept them on display in the room she worked in to attract good luck.
It’s good luck for the owner of a garment if a seamstress loses a thimble while working on it. However, this doesn’t apply if she is working on her own garment.
356. Under a Full Moon
A child who is born under a full moon will be healthy, strong, and enjoy good luck throughout life. Girls born under the full moon will be beautiful and graceful. It’s also lucky to get married under a full moon, or up to two days before or after the full moon. This is said to ensure good luck and prosperity. It’s good luck to have a full moon on the moon’s day (Monday).
357. Lucky Dreams
It’s good luck to wake up knowing that you’ve been dreaming, but to be unable to remember it. This means the dream was important, and the lesson it gave you will have been accepted by your subconscious mind.
If you remember your dreams, you should not tell anyone about them until after you’ve eaten breakfast.
358. Shaking Hands
When two people shake hands after making a deal, they are expressing their good intentions to each other and to the deal. They are also symbolically wishing it luck. This is because the two hands form the sign of the cross, which is considered a sign of good luck.
359. Bloom Where You’re Planted
One of the best stand-up comedians I’ve ever seen lives in a small town, and won’t accept work that is more than four hours drive from his home. When I asked him why he didn’t expand his horizons, he said, “I choose to bloom where I was planted.” I hadn’t heard the expression before, and he explained that it relates to the fact that many people believe they’d be luckier if they lived somewhere else.
“There’s no guarantee I’d be successful if I went to New York or L.A.,” he told me. “I’d have to leave my family and friends behind. They’re a big part of my life. I’m happy and do well here. You could say I’m a big fish in a small pond. Why would I uproot myself when I don’t need to?”
There’s no guarantee that your luck would be different in another town or country. If you’re happy living where you are, there’s no need to move anywhere else. Seize the opportunities you find, work hard, and create your own luck.
360. Cake
Traditionally, wedding cakes were made to bring good luck to the bride and groom, and all the wedding guests too. An old tradition says cake should be eaten at any celebration—such as a birthday—or at the start of anything new to provide good luck to everyone involved.
At one time, cake charms were made to provide protection for individuals and families. A sheet of paper containing texts from the Gospel of St. John were baked inside the cake. These cakes were not eaten, but kept to provide protection and good luck.2
361. Apron
In the past, an apron was an almost essential part of many women’s clothing. It was considered good luck to accidentally put on an apron inside out. In fact, if you were having a frustrating day, you could improve your luck by deliberately putting an apron on inside out.
362. Dice
All around the world people gamble and play games with dice. Because they’re often used in games of chance such as crapshooting, they’ve become one of the most popular symbols of good luck. A friend of mine who is a keen gambler carries a pair of dice everywhere with him, as he believes he’ll be lucky and never run out of money as long as they’re in his possession.
363. Speech
You are likely to have experienced the situation where you said something at the exact moment that someone else said the same words. This is considered extremely lucky for both people, according to folklore. In fact, it’s so lucky that the two people should each make a silent wish before speaking again.
364. Hug a Tree
Many people hug trees to feel grounded and to reconnect with the energy of the planet. Other people hug trees to attract good luck. If you decide to try this, choose a tree that appeals to you aesthetically. There is no right or wrong way to hug a tree. You can wrap your arms around its trunk, lean against it, sit with your back in contact with the tree, or simply stroke it. You’ll feel calmer and more relaxed after hugging a tree and this change in outlook will increase your chances of gaining good luck.
365. Lucks
“Lucks” are family heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. They are said to bring good luck to whomever is looking after them. Lucks are normally small objects such as cups, spoons, dishes, or ornaments that were originally given to one of your ancestors. To make the best use of one, thank it regularly for increasing the luck of your family. Look after it, and if appropriate, display it somewhere in your home where you’ll see it regularly.
One of the best known examples is displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This is the Edenhall Cup, which was owned by the Musgrove family of Cumberland from the fifteenth century until it was acquired by the British government in 1958. The Edenhall Cup of gilded and enamelled glass was made in Egypt or Syria in the fourteenth century.3 In 1721, the Duke of Wharton almost ended the family’s luck by accidentally dropping it. Fortunately, the butler caught it before it hit the ground.