SUPERSTITIONS
GOOD LUCK CHARMS & AMULETS
No one wants to suffer through hard or bad times. So, throughout the ages, people have relied upon certain objects, thought to be endowed with mystical powers and abilities, to improve their situation and luck. These items are referred to as good luck charms, amulets or talismans. Here are three of the most well-known:
Four-Leaf Clover – Because it’s a genetic deviation, and therefore rare, finding one is considered lucky.
There are many myths related to the four-leaf clover. Legend has it that Eve took a four-leaf clover with her when she left the Garden of Eden (so maybe it’s a small piece of paradise). The Druids believed a four leaf clover could endow the finder with the ability to see evil and therefore avoid it. It is also said that the traditional three-leaf configuration represents the Holy Trinity and the addition of a fourth leaf, God’s grace.
From the Treasury of Superstitions by Claudia DeLys:
One leaf for fame
One leaf for wealth
One leaf for a faithful lover
And One leaf to bring glorious health
Are all in a four leaf clover.
Horseshoe – horseshoes resemble ancient Druid religious fertility symbols and were therefore thought to bring good luck and repel evil. This belief carried through Saxon times, when it became tradition to nail a horseshoe on the outer entrance of a home to prevent evil spirits from entering and harming the inhabitants. It's important to note, however, that horseshoes should be affixed upright so the luck will not run out.
Rabbit’s Foot – According to legend, only the left rear foot of rabbit that met its demise at the hands of a cross-eyed hunter during a full moon is truly lucky. Ironically, most of the rabbit’s feet sold are actually the smaller front paws, which technically have no magical powers whatever.
Humorist R. E. Shay is credited with the witticism:
"Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will,
but remember it didn't work for the rabbit."
