LUCKY CHARMS around the World

Luck is symbolised by a wide array of objects, numbers, symbols, plant and animal life which vary significantly in different cultures globally. The significance of each symbol is rooted in either folklore, mythology, esotericism, religion, tradition, necessity or a combination thereof.

The history of elephant as good luck symbol begins in the Hindu religion of India. The god Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Siva and Parvati, is worshipped as an opener of the way and luck-god. Ganesha is sometimes represented as an elephant and is identified with the “sacred white elephant” of Thailand. The American lucky elephant craze of the early to mid 20th century used the elephant itself not the god Ganesha. The American fascination with the lucky elephant-god of India and the white elephants of Thailand were combined in the form of the lucky elephant knick-knack.

The four-leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common, three-leaved clover. According to tradition, such leaves bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally. In addition, each leaf is believed to represent something: the first is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck. It has been estimated that there are approximately 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every four-leaf clover.
The four-leaf-clover is considered lucky in Irish and Celt culture.