In almost every society and in almost every era of time people have been assigning meaning and luck to animals. Animals have featured in the folklore tales, legends and parables of
Many cultures attribute special significance to certain animals who, they believe, will bring them luck, prosperity or protection. Accounts of these animals and their powers range from ancient folklore to modern superstitions.
These beliefs are particularly prevalent among casino players who often harbor beliefs that their casino wins, losses and lucky Sloto'Cash casino bonuses are determined supernaturally. It’s not unusual to see a player sitting at a gaming table or a slot machine with a picture, statuette or some type of remnant of an animal at the side. Some of the best-known of these animal charms include:
Cat
The Maneki-neko is the Lucky Cat of Japan whose beckoning stance is believed to bring luck.
The Maneki-neko is typically depicted as a ceramic cat who has one raised paw which is said to beckon good fortune. According to Japanese legend, a feudal lord was once saved from a lighting strike by a cat who beckoned him into a temple.
Over the years that story spread and today, statuettes of a beckoning cat are found in many homes, restaurants and shops. A white beckoning cat is said to bring happiness while a black beckoning cat is believed to protect against evil spirits.
Rabbit
In ancient Celtic and African beliefs, rabbits were considered symbols of fertility, prosperity, abundance and new beginnings. Through the years, the rabbit’s foot became a charm that people carried in their pockets or attached to their keychains.
Today, most “rabbits feet” aren’t real rabbit’s feet – they are facsimiles – but rabbit feet charms continue to have the reputation of being the key to bringing the holder good fortune.
Recently a new spin on rabbits feet charms has emerged – instead of holding on to a real rabbit’s foot, some people simply say “rabbit rabbit” before they start their gaming session.
Elephant
Elephants have long been associated with strength, wisdom and good luck, making them a favorite talisman for casino aficionados. In the Hindu culture, the god Ganesha, who is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and bringer of prosperity, is depicted as having the head of an elephant.
Chinese practitioners of Feng Shui, which focuses on harmonizing individuals with their environment, place elephant figurines in prominent places throughout a home with the belief that the figures attract good fortune, longevity and prosperity.
Cricket
In ancient Chinese culture, the chirping of a cricked was considered a sign of good luck and many Chinese families kept crickets in their homes in the belief that the crickets’ melodious songs would attract happiness and prosperity. Japanese households also keep crickets which, for people in Japan, symbolize abundance and good fortune.
Ladybug
Spotting a ladybugs is said to bring good fortune in many cultures around the world. European folklore suggests making a wish on a ladybug because they say, if you wish and believe, it will come true.
Some people go one step further, saying that the number of spots on a ladybug’s back is an indication of how much luck is to be received – the more spots, the more luck! Some people say that if a ladybug lands on a possession (your car, a piece of furniture, a bicycle, etc) you’ll get a new version of that item.
Farmers in many lands around the world believe that ladybugs protect crops from pests. Feng Shui practitioners use ladybug symbols in their home decors in order to attract positive energy, wealth, and prosperity.
Frog
Many people are familiar of the magical properties of the frog from stories about frogs turning into princes but it turns out that, according to folklore in many countries, frogs can also bestow some of their own magic. In both Egypt and Japan frogs are considered symbols of luck, fertility, happiness and prosperity.
Frogs are also associated with rain, making them favorite symbols of luck for farmers worldwide. The Chinese even have a “Feng Shui” frog which is a three-legged frog that is featured as statuettes and sculptures in homes, workplaces and other areas where people want to draw good fortune.
Goldfish
Goldfish aren’t called “GOLDfish” for nothing. They symbolize wealth and fortune in China. In ancient times, only royalty could possess them. The Chinese word for “fish” is pronounced in the same way as the word “abundance” is pronounced and abundance is seen as the goldfish’s main attribute.
Goldfish have reemerged as popular good luck symbols, with some casino gamers even setting up an aquarium next to their computer with plenty of goldfish swimming about.
Pig
The pig plays an important part in the Chinese zodiac. Year of the Pig comes every 12 years and people look forward to those years which, thanks to the highly intelligent pig, are said to be years when people can look forward to wealth and good fortune.
There are many animals that signal good luck – in addition to real animals there are fantasy animals like unicorns and dragons which, many people believe, bestow good fortune. You can’t rely on these talismans and charms to keep you on the winning path but they’re helpful and fun to have around!
