CHASING FORTUNE

Why are horseshoes considered good luck symbols? 10 fortune myths

Image: Malvestida

Throughout history, humans have sought guidance from signs and symbols, seeking to navigate the unpredictable course of fate. From the classic four-leaf clover to the comfort of that "lucky shirt" worn on exam days or job interviews, even the most determined skeptics find themselves turning to luck at some point.

But what mysteries are hidden beneath these legendary symbols? If you want to feel that luck is on your side, delve into the history of superstition as we uncover the captivating origins of these 10 universal symbols of good luck!

Image: Greg Rosenke

Have you ever had the lovely experience of a ladybug landing on you and strolling across your skin? If so, consider yourself one of the fortunate! Ladybugs, those charming little insects, have long been adored as symbols of luck and protection.

Legend has it that during the Middle Ages in Europe, farmers revered ladybugs as protectors of their crops, as these tiny creatures voraciously devoured the pests that threatened the crops. Over time, ladybugs became synonymous with good fortune, bringing prosperity to those who encountered them.

Today, it's believed that if a ladybug lands on you, you should make a wish and let it fly away.

Image: Jan Huber

The horseshoe stands as another renowned emblem of good fortune, with many people opting to sport horseshoe-shaped tattoos or pendants for that reason.

Also rooted in Europe's Middle Ages, the horseshoe's association with good luck can be attributed to both its distinctive crescent moon shape and the material from which it was made.

Iron was believed to have the power to repel negative energies and ward off evil spirits, giving the horseshoe its reputation as a protective talisman. Therefore, horseshoes were often hung on doorways and rooms, serving as symbolic guardians.

Image: Waldemar

In different parts of the world, the number 7 has been respected as a symbol of auspiciousness and abundance, becoming a sacred number for some cultures.

Its origins are varied, but many have to do with the presence of this number in nature, science, and religion. To name a few examples, there are seven colors of the rainbow, seven Christian virtues, seven continents, seven seas, seven wonders of the world, seven days of the week, and the list goes on.

So now you know, if you come across this number frequently, embrace the blessings it brings!

Image: Claudio Schwarz

The practice of letting the wishbone dry and then breaking it while making a wish can be traced back to ancient times, with roots in the traditions of the Romans and Etruscans. These ancient cultures held birds in high regard, believing them to possess protective and divinatory powers. Hence, the wishbone came to be associated with the granting of wishes.

As European settlers brought their customs to America, they carried the tradition of breaking wishbones, which quickly became a popular convention here, persisting to this day.

Image: Nam Anh

Elephants have long been revered as symbols of abundance and prosperity, particularly in Asia, where they hold sacred status, especially in India. Their association with religious imagery has cemented their role as bearers of good fortune. As this belief transcended borders, the elephant's reputation for luck spread to other corners of the globe.

In the Western world, while the original religious connotations may have faded, the elephant retained its fame as an announcer of positivity. Thus, giving or receiving an elephant-shaped object is widely regarded as an auspicious gesture.

Image: George Girnas

Some coastal cultures in the Caribbean revere conch shells for their beauty and the enchanting sounds they produce, attributing them with magical properties. Consequently, shells are worn as talismans, used as decorative elements for protection, or implemented as ceremonial instruments.

In the Hindu religion, conch shells are considered sacred objects that symbolize creation, often depicted alongside divine figures. And if you ever listened to the sound of the ocean by holding a conch shell to your ear, it is easy to understand why they are held in such high regard.

Image: Ансплэш Степана

Carrying around a rabbit's foot in your backpack might look a bit odd or even gruesometo some, but the prevalence of this lucky charm might surprise you. The origins of the rabbit's foot as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and even fertility are difficult to trace, as it is a widespread tradition throughout the globe, both in the East and the West.

The specific rituals surrounding this charm can vary, with different regions attributing diverse types of fortune to it, based on how the rabbit was caught and how the paw is kept. However, these interpretations differ significantly depending on the cultural context.

Image: Joe Dudeck

You've likely caught sight of a five-pointed star adorning a barn door or even gracing some home entrances in certain parts of our country. But do you know the story behind these lucky charms? The barnstar emerged in American farm culture during the 18th and 19th centuries, believed to bring protection and good fortune to the homestead.

Similar to the horseshoe tradition, barnstars were often placed above doorways to ward off malevolent spirits and safeguard the household from evil intentions, protecting the good energy. So, if your home's door is lacking this auspicious adornment, maybe it's time to consider acquiring one, what do you think?

Image: Jurga Ka

Jade is one of the gemstones associated with good luck. This shiny green stone, available in various hues, has been recognized as a lucky charm for centuries, particularly in Eastern cultures.

In many countries, it's customary to give jade jewelry as a gift on special occasions, as this stone is also believed to possess healing properties! So, not only does it protect and attract positivity into your life, but it is also a stylish accessory that keeps you on-trend.

Image: Yan Ming

Saving the best for last, let's talk about the iconic four-leaf clover, renowned as one of the most celebrated symbols of good fortune worldwide. Its reputation is tied to its defining characteristic: rarity.

While three-leaf clovers hold their own charm, coming across a four-leaf clover is a great stroke of luck. With origins in Celtic culture, this belief has transcended cultural boundaries. Whether tucked inside books for years, fashioned into talismans, or immortalized in the skin as tattoos, the four-leaf clover is ever-present in humans' quest for good fortune and blessings.

In the shadows

You’ve been in the dark about these idioms. We’re here to change that!

Image: Jonatan Pie

The idea of "darkness" is used to describe mystery, risk, or even a little mischief. Have you ever noticed how many idioms there are for darkness? And what about where these sayings come from, or why have they stuck around for centuries? Today, we’ll take a tour through some of the darkest idioms tied to this concept, uncovering their roots and what they still mean in everyday life.

Image: Lindsey Bidwell

The phrase "dark horse" first appeared as slang in horse racing, where an unknown competitor could surprise the crowd by winning. Benjamin Disraeli, a British politician and novelist, popularized it in the 1830s. Today, we use it for people who come out of nowhere to impress, whether in politics, sports, or even at a family game night. Are you usually the dark horse?

Image: Paul Garaizar

This saying goes back to the days when darkness symbolized ignorance. To "keep someone in the dark" meant to deprive them of light and knowledge. It has roots in 17th-century English writing, and it stuck because the image is so simple: if you’re kept from the light, you can’t see the whole picture.

Image: Thomas Chan

The idea of something "casting a shadow" goes all the way back to ancient poetry, where shadows represented gloom, doubt, or even bad omens. Shakespeare often used shadow imagery to suggest suspicion or hidden truths. Today, we use this expression to refer to that negative impact, the shadow, that something else may have.

Image: Sasha Freemind

This expression comes from a French board game called "lourche," popular in the 1500s. To be "left in the lurch" meant being stuck in a hopeless position in the game. English speakers borrowed the phrase, and it evolved to describe abandoning someone when they most needed help. Quite gloomy, don’t you think?

Image: Andrew Hughes

For centuries, people believed one half of the moon was always hidden from view. That unseen hemisphere became a perfect metaphor for secrets or unknown territory. Even after space exploration revealed more about the moon, the phrase stuck around as a poetic way to describe the mysterious side of things.

Image: Andrew Neel

This one has an old-fashioned ring to it. In earlier times, saying you didn’t want someone to "darken your door" meant you didn’t even want them standing at your doorway and blocking the light. But today, it means visiting someone, even if that’s unexpected or undesirable for the homeowner. Remember, text before you darken someone’s door!

Image: Yᴏꜱʜ ʜ. Qᴜɪɴᴢᴇʟ

This phrase plays on the simple contrast between safety and danger. The sunny, well-lit side of the street feels safer, while the darker side symbolizes risk and shady dealings. It has been used both literally and metaphorically since the 1800s to refer to the less desirable path.

Image: Sven Mieke

The idea of a "black mark" dates back to the 1600s, when a literal black mark might be written beside someone’s name to show disgrace. Over time, it grew into a figure of speech for any stain on reputation. Even now, one mistake can be called a "black mark" against an otherwise good record. This one you might want to get away from, right?

Image: Jonathan Greenaway

Black sheep are beautiful, but back in farming days, black wool couldn’t be dyed like white wool, making them less valuable to farmers. By the 18th century, the term had wandered into family life to describe the odd member who didn’t fit expectations. Today, being the "black sheep" often carries a mix of humor and pride.

Image: NORTHFOLK

Accountants in the past literally used black ink to record profits and red ink to record losses. To be "in the black" meant your books looked good. Red, on the other hand, meant you were in debt. The phrase has been around since the early 20th century and is still shorthand for financial health, especially for businesses.