What Makes You Feel Lucky?

If you have a superstition or a good luck charm, you're not alone. Many people believe luck contributes to their success, and some even believe luck is the most important factor. There are many popular good luck charms throughout history, but have you ever wondered how those items came to be viewed as lucky? Here's the common belief behind some good luck charms: Four-leaf clover According to Irish legend, the luck of the four-leaf clover goes back to Eve, who supposedly carried one out of the Garden of Eden. Others believe in their power because they're simply rare to find. For approximately every 10,000 three-leaf clovers, there is only one four-leaf. To some the four leaves represent faith, hope, love and luck. Horseshoe One of the most common symbols of luck, horseshoes were first considered lucky by blacksmiths. People believed that fire and iron had magical powers and would ward off spirits of the past. But be careful with how you hold or display your horseshoe - it's only good luck if the ends point upward. Ladybug If a ladybug lands on you, be careful not to brush it off. Stay still and count the spots. The number of spots will reveal the number of months you will enjoy good luck. The stronger the color red is on the ladybug, the better your luck will be. Rabbit's foot These days, you can get a rabbit's foot in a vending machine or as an arcade prize, but using a rabbit's foot as a good luck charm dates back to the Celtics in 600 B.C. However, the Celtics were specific with this superstition. It had to be the left hind foot of the rabbit in order to be considered lucky. Good Luck Elephant The elephant is a symbol of strength, power, stability and wisdom. Elephant statues are popular worldwide, and it is a common superstition that an elephant carving or picture should always face the door if you want to bring good luck into the house. The most common belief is that if the trunk is up the elephant will shower good fortune on all who walk past it. The color green Green isn't just the color of money, it's also believed to be the luckiest hue. Green is a symbol for positive change, health, growth and vitality. In Irish folklore, if you catch a green-clad leprechaun and then set him free, you'll be blessed with treasure. Lucky Bamboo Actually the lucky bamboo plant is not a bamboo at all. Its official name is Dracaena Sanderana. This plant has been considered to be auspicious for centuries. It has been considered a luck bring plant in China for more than 4000 years. Gifting a lucky bamboo to someone is said to bring both the giver and receiver good luck. It is for this reason many choose this plant to give as a housewarming present. However, never give away or own a lucky bamboo with four stocks. This will kill all your luck. The number four is very unlucky in Asia. Penny You know the rhyme: "Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck." But where did this originate? The penny superstition dates back to ancient times, when people believed metal had the power to protect them from evil spirits. Once people began to use coins as currency, those who had more coins were wealthy and their money symbolized good fortune. Some folks will only pick them up if they are heads up "Heads up will bring you luck." The number seven The number seven is the luckiest charm of all. This number plays an unexpected role throughout nature and our daily lives, leading many to believe in its good fortune. From the seven days in the week, seven colors of the rainbow, seven notes on the musical scale, the seven seas to the seven continents, we may not even realize how present it is. Whether you believe in luck or not, it's fascinating to learn more about the folklore behind each of these famous good luck charms. Personally I believe what Grandma always said "Luck is when hard work and preparation meets up with opportunity." But then she also gave me a two dollar bill to carry with me for luck.