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.

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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.

Deathbed statements

Beyond the grave: Take a look at the last words of 12 famous people

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Throughout history, hundreds of historical figures have left their mark on the world through their marvelous achievements. When their lives came to an end, their last words were often a reflection of their lives and ideals. From George Washington and Mark Twain to Frank Sinatra and Leonardo Da Vinci, in this article, we will reveal 12 final words of memorable personalities.

Image: The New York Public Library

After serving two terms as the United State's first president, George Washington retired to his Virginia plantation. In mid-December 1799, he developed a cold and a severe sore throat. Despite doctors' efforts to cure him, the end was imminent.

His long-time secretary, Tobias Lear, was at his side during his last days and documented all the events that transpired, including the former president's last words. According to his account, shortly before he took his last breath George Washington said "Tis well" —an old-fashioned way of saying "everything is okay."

Image: Signal Corps Archive from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Noir icon of perpetual elegance and rebellious charisma, Humphrey Bogart is an undisputed legend in cinema history. A Hollywood Golden Age star, Bogart is still remembered today for his scar on his upper lip, his everlasting cigarette, and his perfect portrayal of gangsters and detectives.

At the age of 57 Bogart was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, for which he was hospitalized for several months. According to lore, the legendary star's last words were "I should never have switched from scotch to martinis." However, his wife Lauren Bacall confirmed that the last thing he actually said was "Goodbye Kid. Hurry back," before she left his bedside to get their children.

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As one of the greatest American writers of all time, Mark Twain is usually credited with all sorts of great quotes that he often didn't say. For that reason, there are different versions of what his last words were before he died in 1910 at the age of 74.

The most plausible theory can be found in an article published one day after his death. According to this chronicle, Samuel Langhorne Clemens' last words were not spoken aloud but written. The famous humorist and essayist reportedly wrote to his daughter Clara, who accompanied him on his bedside, "Give me my glasses."

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Joan Crawford, the Oscar winner for Mildred Pierce and one of the greatest stars of Hollywood's golden age, died in 1977 of a heart attack.

The actress, who had a complicated personality, was true to her nature until her last breath. She was so ill that her doctor felt it wasn’t worth taking her to the hospital. One of her nurses began to pray aloud in desperation. Losing her patience, Crawford snapped for the last time and said, "Damn it... Don't you dare ask God to help me."

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The year 2024 marked the 700th anniversary of the death of the man who better described remote lands. Marco Polo was a merchant who spent more than 20 years of his life traveling through the Orient and wrote about his adventures in a book that became a bestseller when the printing press wasn’t even invented.

Marco Polo was, and still is, a legend. When, on his deathbed, his wife and friends begged the brave explorer to confess if what he had told in the book was true, he barely whispered: "I have not told the half of what I saw and did."

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Julius Henry Marx, better known as Groucho Marx, is considered one of the most influential comedians of all time. The man with the bushy black mustache was one of the Marx Brothers. Together they made 13 films, including the classic Duck Soup. After a long and prominent career, Groucho passed away in Los Angeles in 1977 at the age of 86.

His brilliant one-liners are still remembered and replayed to this day, so it is not surprising that not one but several final words are attributed to him. A few close friends have suggested that his last line was "This is no way to live!", while most suggest that his last words were in fact dedicated to his wife: "Die, my dear? Why, that's the last thing I'll do!"

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Voltaire, the French writer, philosopher, historian, and lawyer, one of the major figures of the Enlightenment, died in 1778 at the age of 83. Different accounts of his deathbed make it impossible to determine exactly what his last days were like.

One of these stories, however, is consistent with his ideas about God and his well-known criticism of the Church. According to this version, when the priest asked him if he wanted to renounce Satan before he died, Voltaire replied, "This is no time to make new enemies."

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L. Frank Baum was a prolific American author. He wrote 55 novels, 82 short stories, and more than 200 poems. However, his most memorable work is his series of children's fantasy books The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

On May 5, 1919, Baum suffered a heart attack. He died the next day, shortly before his 63rd birthday. Disturbed by the imminence of death, he whispered to his wife: "Now we can cross the Shifting Sands," a clear reference to the Land of Oz.

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Augustus, the first Roman emperor, is often attributed with the phrase: "Behold, I found Rome of clay, and leave her to you of marble," alluding to the great infrastructural works carried out during his prosperous 40 years of rule.

However, according to other historical accounts, his last words were addressed to the friends who stayed with him on his deathbed: "Have I played the part well? Then applaud, as I exit."

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"Darling, you've gone through worse and you can beat this too. You have to fight," implored Barbara Marx, Frank Sinatra's fourth wife, to her beloved on his deathbed. "I'm losing," The Voice whispered through teary eyes.

Barbara recounted the last hours of the singer of such hits as My Way and New York, New York in her memoir Lady Blue Eyes: My Life With Frank. Frank Sinatra, one of the most popular entertainers of the mid-20th century, pronounced his last words in 1998 at the age of 82.

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Despite being one of the most famous artists of the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci was very hard on himself. All his life he challenged his own limits, evident in his paintings and sculptures as well as in his inventions, some of which were truly revolutionary.

Even after a lifetime of success, he wasn’t quite satisfied. When he suffered a stroke at the age of 67, he sent for a priest to receive the Holy Sacrament and, according to historians, his greatest regret was that he hadn’t achieved excellence with his work. In that sense, it is said that his last words were: "I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have."

Image: National Museum of Health and Medicine, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Yankee Clipper was one of the greatest baseball players of all time but he is also known for having been married to the iconic American actress Marilyn Monroe. Joe and Marilyn were together for less than three years. In 1955 the actress left him for American playwright Arthur Miller.

DiMaggio was devastated. He never married again, and never got over his one true love. His last words before he died in 1999 at the age of 84 were: "I'll finally get to see Marilyn."