Charming artifacts

Do you believe in fortune? The origins of 10 good-luck charms

Image: Dayne Topkin

Ever felt the urge to hold onto a lucky charm? You’re not alone! Across the world, cultures have long relied on objects—from ancient talismans to modern tokens—to attract good fortune and ward off misfortune. Many of these items carry curious histories or age-old beliefs. Let’s explore some of the fascinating stories behind these enduring symbols of luck.

Image: Matt Benson

Horseshoes have symbolized luck for centuries, especially when hung above doorways with the open end facing upward to "catch" good fortune.

Historically, iron was considered a protective metal against evil spirits, and the shape resembled the crescent moon, associated with prosperity. Also, in medieval Europe, blacksmiths were often seen as having magical powers, making horseshoes doubly potent as charms.

Image: Sujay Paul

The very rare four-leaf clover is a well-known Celtic symbol of luck, with each leaf representing faith, hope, love, and luck.

Finding one was considered miraculous, giving rise to legends that only those pure of heart could stumble upon one. Druids were also believed to regard the four-leaf clover as a charm that warded off evil spirits and offered protection.

Image: Timofei Adrian

Carrying a rabbit’s foot is a superstition that originated in both African and European traditions, but this charm became especially popular in North America during the 19th century.

The myth’s origin likely stems from rabbits being associated with fertility and abundance, while the foot—especially from the left hind leg—was believed to carry protective and lucky qualities.

Image: Adam Nir

Finding a penny, especially with the head side facing up, has long been considered a sign of good luck.

This superstition traces back to ancient times when coins were sometimes associated with divination and fortune. The phrase "See a penny, pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck" dates back to 18th-century England, though the original version actually referred to a pin.

Image: Samuel Branch

The Japanese "beckoning cat" is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to both homes and businesses.

Originating in the Edo period, legends tell of a cat saving a temple or attracting wealth to a shop. Typically, the raised paw signifies welcoming good luck, with golden versions being more linked to financial success.

Image: Caleb Lucas

Acorns have symbolized potential, growth, and prosperity since ancient Norse and Celtic times. The Vikings carried acorns for protection against both lightning and misfortune in general.

Their slow growth into mighty oaks made them enduring symbols of patience and eventual reward, giving acorns a lasting association with good fortune.

Image: engin akyurt

The Nazar is a blue eye-shaped charm from Turkey and the Mediterranean, meant to protect against envy and negative energy.

The belief dates back thousands of years, with fear of evil eye curses appearing across numerous cultures. The charm is said to absorb harmful intent, offering protection to households, travelers, and children.

Image: Nazym Jumadilova

Originating with the Ojibwe people of North America, dreamcatchers are believed to filter bad dreams, letting only good dreams pass.

Hanging a dreamcatcher over a bed or crib was thought to protect sleepers from nightmares. The woven web symbolizes the spider, a guardian figure associated with wisdom and protection in Ojibwe teachings.

Image: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Breaking a wishbone, usually from a turkey, is said to grant a wish to the person who ends up with the larger piece.

The tradition dates back to ancient Rome, where birds were symbols of divine prophecy. The custom spread across Europe and eventually to North America, becoming a holiday superstition associated with luck.

Image: Maria Ionova

In Kabbalah and other traditions, a red string tied around the wrist is believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. Its red color symbolizes life force, protection, and spiritual energy.

The practice of wearing a red string or bracelet is not limited to Jewish culture, however. Hindu, Buddhist, and Chinese traditions also use red threads or cords in similar ways, symbolizing luck, love, and protection.

Deep roots

11 everyday words with indigenous roots

English is a very welcoming language in the sense that it incorporates terms from many other languages from all over the world. And, as it couldn’t be otherwise, Native American languages have lent many of their words and terms to English speakers. Some traveled through Spanish or French before settling into English, and others arrived directly through early contact and trade, helping shape the way we speak today. Did you know about these 11 terms?

The word "canoe" comes from the Taino term canoa, which was first used by Caribbean islanders long before Europeans arrived. Early explorers adopted it to describe the slim, sturdy boats they saw.

Over time, "canoe" became the standard English word for a small paddled craft. Today it still carries that sense of simplicity and closeness to nature.

The word "barbecue" comes from barbacoa, another Taino term for a wooden frame used for cooking meat over fire. Europeans adopted it and applied it to both the method and the gathering itself.

Today, "barbecue" means everything from a backyard cookout to a regional cooking style. Its origins highlight the deep culinary influence of Native Americans in the nation's current culture.

"Skunk" comes from the Algonquian word squnk, which means "urinating fox" (quite a fitting term, indeed). This was an obvious reference to the animal’s strong defensive spray. Early settlers adopted the term directly.

Since English had no better name for the creature, the Native word stuck. Today, the word skunks is also used as playful slang.

The word "moose" originates from Eastern Abenaki, a part of the Algonquian family, where it meant "he strips off bark." Yes, it described the animal’s habit of tearing bark from trees.

The name entered English quickly because settlers relied on Native knowledge of local fauna. The word remains unchanged because of its accuracy and usefulness.

"Raccoon" comes from the Powhatan word arakun, meaning "he scratches with his hands." It described the animal’s clever, humanlike front paws.

Settlers adopted the term because it captured the creature’s behavior beautifully. Today, the raccoon is used as a household symbol of curiosity, not unlike the animal itself.

The term "chipmunk" most probably comes from the Ojibwe word ajidamoo, which means "one who descends trees headfirst." Early English settlers adapted the sound into today’s form.

Though the spelling changed over time, the lively image of a chipmunk racing down a tree face-first stayed.

The word "caribou" comes from the Mi’kmaq term qalipu, which means "snow shoveler," referring to the animal’s habit of digging through snow for food.

French settlers brought the word into English, keeping its descriptive nature. The name still connects the modern animal to the winter landscapes it belongs to.

"Totem" comes from the Ojibwe word ototeman, which means "kinship group." It described symbols representing clans and shared roots.

English adopted it to describe carved poles and symbolic elements. Though broader in modern usage, it still hints at the original sense of community, identity, and heritage.

"Coyote" comes from the Nahuatl word coyōtl, which was used by Indigenous tribes of central Mexico. Spanish speakers adopted it, and English borrowed later.

The word kept its meaning, and it remains one of the most direct links between the English language and Nahuatl.

The tasty avocado’s name traces to the Nahuatl word ahacatl, which refers to the fruit and to a body part as well. Spanish speakers transformed it into aguacate.

Later on, English speakers adapted it to avocado. While the name sounds contemporary and culinary, it has ancient Native roots.

The last Nahuatl word and also the last word on the list comes from the term xocolātl, which describes a bitter cacao drink that was consumed long before Europeans arrived in America. The name traveled from Spanish to English.

Though the product changed dramatically, the word survived. Today, chocolate is a universal symbol of sweetness, with rich and deeply indigenous roots.