Some people swear by lucky charms while others think they are meaningless and silly. Whether any of us have the power to influence Lady Luck is still up for debate, but one thing is for sure, the positive attitude that comes from these little trinkets can go a long way. Just feeling lucky is sometimes all it takes to turn the day around. You may have a favorite lucky charm for the big game, the big business deal, or for those times when you could just use a little extra something. If you don’t have a favorite, here are a few of the most popular for you to consider, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
A Four-Leaf Clover
Of course we are starting out with this lucky gem. According to science, the reason these clovers are so rare is because there is only one of them for every 10,000 three-leaf clovers out there. Clover plants that naturally produce four leaves don’t exist, so when it happens, it is truly serendipitous. Each leaf of the four-leaf clover is said to stand for luck, love, faith, and hope. The phrase “Luck of the Irish” comes from the belief that many more four-leaf clovers grow in Ireland than anywhere else in the world. And remember, if you happen to find a four-leaf clover, consider yourself truly lucky, because chances are there will be an entire patch of them!
Lucky Penny
How’s the jingle go? See a penny pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck! These days pennies seem somewhat worthless. In fact, a few years ago there was talk about getting rid of them completely! But anyone who has ever bent down to pick up a lucky penny, knows the joy of finding a coin. Anyone who enjoys penny picking knows that not every penny will do. Only the ones found face-up are considered lucky.
Lucky Horse Shoes
Traditionally made of iron, horseshoes are considered lucky because of the myth that naughty fairies could not stand the touch of the particular metal. Therefore, legend has it that adorning your house with horseshoes shields the dwelling from bad and malicious activity. Whatever you believe, horseshoes do look pretty cool hanging on a door or tacked up on a wall as a fun way to spice up your interior design. Be sure to always have the points face up, which makes it easier for the horseshoe to get filled with luck.
Acorns
“Great oaks from little acorns grow,” is an old Norse saying. Symbolizing wisdom and often associated with the Norse god, Odin, acorns are thought to bring divine protection when placed in the windows. Englishmen would often carry acorns in their pants and coat pockets during the Norse Invasion in hopes that they would make their enemies more sympathetic. Besides luck, acorns are also a symbol of fertility, prosperity and youth. Acorns are often used as decorations and sometimes painted to help them stand out.
Lady bugs
Not only are these adorable insects the cutest of all bugs, but they have a history of being pretty lucky, too. Cultures worldwide believe these tiny speckled bugs bring us fortune and in countries that speak German, the word for them is “Glueckskaefer,” which literally means “lucky bugs.” There are several different ways in which ladybugs are said to bring luck. For example if one lands on you, it is said your luck will improve. A ladybug crawling on a maiden is said to mean she will be lucky in love soon. And a large number of lady bugs on the farm is indicative of a good harvest. The more spots and deeper the red, the luckier you will become. Of course, legend has it that if you kill one your luck will turn.
Rabbits foot
Ok, maybe don’t go cutting off a rabbit’s foot for the sake of luck. That’s just cruel and the fake ones are said to be just as lucky. This bizarre tradition comes from voodoo magic and the original legend says if you catch a rabbit in a cemetery at night, use the rabbit’s left hind foot to ward off evil magic. Talk about specific! We’re no wizard, but our guess is you’ll probably have better luck just being nice to animals.
Rainbows
Besides being super pretty, legend has it, there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. While chasing rainbows seems like it would be a lot of hard work, taking the time to appreciate the bright and cheerful colors after a storm seems like a positively motivating and lucky thing to do.
Wearing Green
They also say that wearing green on March 17th is lucky! That’s why we’ve put together a few all over print apparel favorites for you to choose from to wear on this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patricks Four Leaf Clover Mens Long Sleeve
Saint Patricks Womens Leggings
Beer Frothy Good Time Womens Top
Green Marble Mens Hoodie
Want something a little more subtle but still want to be part of the party? Go for this all over print green marble. You’ll stay warm in the sometimes-unpredictable March weather and look good doing it.