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.

What science says

It was false after all: 10 health myths that sound true—but aren't

Image: Alicja Gancarz

Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Does cold weather make you sick? Can lemon detox your body? Is reading in low light really harmful? Let's uncover the truth behind 10 common health myths!

Image: Element5 Digital

Have you ever been told that cutting your hair will make it grow faster? We're sorry to say that's just a myth. Hair grows from the root, not the ends. So, trimming it won't boost growth, though it does help remove split ends that can make your hair look dry or unhealthy.

Image: Thom Holmes

This is one of the most common health myths. Cold weather often gets blamed, but it's not the temperature that makes you catch a cold. During winter, we tend to stay indoors with others and keep the windows closed, an environment that makes it easier for viruses to spread. That's why colds tend to be more common in winter!

Image: Michelen Studios

The idea that eating before bed automatically leads to weight gain is a myth. In reality, it has more to do with what you eat and how much, rather than the time of day. Often, when we eat very late at night, we're tired and more likely to reach for quick, high-calorie, heavy foods. This can disrupt sleep and lead to consuming more calories than we burn, both of which may affect weight. If it's close to bedtime, it's better to have something light and healthy in a moderate portion than to skip a meal altogether.

Image: Bud Helisson

Does wearing glasses weaken your vision? Myth! If an eye doctor prescribes glasses, wearing them as directed helps correct your vision; it won't make it worse. Additionally, the right glasses can help prevent or reduce headaches caused by reading or spending long hours in front of a screen.

Image: Amir Balam

This myth is closely related to the previous one. If you love reading and sometimes have to do it in low light because of the situation, don't worry. According to experts, reading in low light doesn't cause permanent or irreversible eye damage. However, it's not recommended because it can make your eyes feel tired or strained, leading to discomfort or headaches.

Image: engin akyurt

We're all different, and so are our bodies. The idea that everyone should drink exactly eight glasses of water a day is more of a general guideline than a rule. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, but how much water you need depends on factors like your weight, age, climate, and overall health. We should prioritize staying consistently hydrated instead of obsessing over the number of glasses we drink.

Image: Tirza van Dijk

Some people say drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. While adding a slice of lemon to your water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, it doesn't have any special "detoxifying" powers. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is beneficial, but the body has its own natural detox system. The liver and kidneys are the main organs that filter waste and eliminate toxins.

Image: Aneta Voborilova

Not all fats are bad! Just like other food groups, your body needs fats to function properly. The important thing is knowing the difference between healthy fats and those that can be harmful. Foods like avocados, seeds, olive oil, fish, and nuts are rich in healthy fats. On the other hand, the fats found in processed or fried foods are the ones that can have a negative impact on your body.

Image: Elevate

Liver diseases can be serious. While heavy and frequent consumption of alcohol and fats is a major contributor, it's not the only cause. Liver problems can also result from many other factors. These include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Image: Brooke Lark

There's some truth to it: breakfast is important because it replenishes our glucose and energy levels and supports proper metabolism. However, the idea that it's the most important meal of the day might be an exaggeration. Everyone's body has different needs, and all meals are important, so we shouldn't skip any of them!