Unique Good Luck Charms From Around the World

By Austin Schoonmaker | October 7, 2018

Perhaps you carry around a special trinket for good luck throughout your days. Whether it be a charm, amulet, coin, or any object of importance, lucky charms are common throughout the world in many different cultures. Check out these unique and fascinating good luck charms used by people around the globe.

Kachina Dolls

These handmade dolls represent the spirits of things in the real world and are commonly used by Native Americans in the American Southwest and Central America. Children will often dress them up and play with them, and it is even considered to be a good omen if one is kept inside your home.

Evil Eye

In Middle Eastern cultures, an evil eye amulet is said to ward off the curse received from a malicious glance of another. These amulets are highly popular among both Middle Easterners and tourists alike.

Maneki-neko

The literal translation of this means “beckoning cat.” This figurine is often shown raising one of its paws and is placed at the front of businesses, restaurants, and shops. They are sometimes referred to as the “Chinese lucky cat” as it is associated with bringing prosperity to all who display it proudly.

Lucky Dice

An old-timey staple found hanging on the mirror or automobiles, lucky dice were first used a good luck charm by fighter pilots in World War II. Pilots would keep them in their plane, believing they would help them come back home from war safely.

 

Four Leaf Clover

An Irish symbol for good luck, these rare clovers are supposed to represent the holy trinity, made of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, with the fourth leaf symbolizing God’s grace. It is said that if one comes across a four-leaf clover, you will be presented with good luck.

Ladybugs

In Austria, it is believed that when a ladybug lands on an individual in the morning, it is a sign of good fortune. If one lands on you in the morning, you will have a happy day. They are also believed to heal people from sickness and bring good weather.

Hamsa Hand

This charm is common in both Jewish and Muslim communities as a sign of good luck. Those who wear it are said to be protected from people who emanate negative energy while bringing happiness to its wearer. While it depends on the culture, the word ‘Hamsa’ is in reference to five books in the Torah. In Islam, the five fingers represent the Five Pillars of Islam, while the eye on the hand watches out for the beholder.

Milagros

These small religious charms are popular in Mexico, depicting angels, crosses, arms, legs, animals, or other small objects. The word ‘Milagros’ translated to ‘miracle’ and are sometimes left at the shrine of a saint people have asked a favor for, as a token of their gratitude.

Rabbit’s Foot

One of the few good luck charms that is used worldwide, you can find cultures in Spain, England, and even China using the rabbit’s foot as a good luck charm. In North America, a rabbit’s foot can only be considered lucky if is the back foot on the left-hand side of the rabbit.

Have a good luck charm you carry around? Let us know in the comments below!