St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with luck, but a little extra good fortune can’t hurt on any day of the year.
We’ve seen fuzzy dice in cars, rabbits’ feet on keychains, and dream catchers in bedrooms, but what’s the deal? How do ordinary objects come to represent protection or prosperity?
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular good luck symbols and their fascinating (and sometimes farfetched) backstories. We’ll let you decide what’s real and what puts the sham in shamrock.
1. Four-Leaf Covers
The shamrock or four-leaf clover is practically the poster child of good luck. The word shamrock comes from the Gaelic word seamróg, which means “little clover.” Clovers are plants within the genus Trifolium, meaning “having three leaves.”
Traditionally, the three leaves of a clover are said to represent faith, hope, and love. It’s estimated that 1 in every 10,000 clovers has a fourth leaf, however, and it’s this bonus leaf that represents luck.
Don’t like your odds? Don’t sweat it! Our Glitter Shamrock Knee High Socks are covered in four-leaf clovers. You won’t even have to spend hours poking around in a field like a weirdo to find them.
2. Horseshoes
Modern horseshoes are made out of a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, and even rubber. Originally, however, horseshoes were constructed from iron, a material that was once thought to ward off ghosts and evil spirits. Iron likely gained its supernatural reputation through its ability to withstand fire.
A horseshoe hanging in a “U” position is believed to attract or collect good luck (picture a cup full of luck). A horseshoe hanging in the upside down position encourages luck to flow outward, releasing it to be shared with others.
3. Rainbows
Rainbows are exciting AF. Science can explain the conditions that produce a rainbow, but it’s much harder to explain the feeling of wonder that comes with seeing one while you’re cruisin’ down the highway or gazing out of your bedroom window.
Folklore claims that captured leprechauns can’t escape if they’re being watched closely. The clever little guys were said to offer pots of gold in exchange for freedom, claiming that the goods were safely situated at the end of a rainbow. There’s just one problem – it’s impossible to locate the end of a rainbow! While their foolish captors ventured out in search of gold, the leprechauns were free to flee.
These endless arcs of intermingled color have come to represent the beauty of equality. They remind us that there’s light after darkness, and peace in transformation. If you can weather a powerful storm, you might just be rewarded with a rainbow. In the meantime, you can rock this colorful Lucky Bitch tank top. No rain required.
4. Cheers!
You’re out with your crew and someone yells, “Cheers!” You each raise a glass in a flurry of laughs, clinks, and spilled drinks.
This tradition dates back to the medieval days when poisoned wine was as trendy as hard seltzer. To demonstrate that their wine was safe, hosts would first fill their guest’s cup and then extend their own cup for a sample. If the guest trusted the host, they’d simply clink glasses and take a swig.
Today, clinking glasses is meant to engage the fifth sense of sound in addition to touching a drink’s glassware, seeing its rich color, smelling its aroma, and tasting its flavor. If you’re able to use all five senses at once, then you’re probably in pretty good health. Saying “Cheers!” is a wish for continued good health as well as a gesture of camaraderie.
You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to say, “Cheers.” Rock this Cheers Fuckers Hoodie to keep the good vibes flowing all night long.
5. Hamsa
This hand-shaped amulet has Middle Eastern roots, but it has inspired paintings, wall hangings, and jewelry all around the world.
The hamsa hand (an open right hand, specifically) is widely recognized as a sign of protection against the evil eye. The evil eye is thought to transmit a curse, typically by way of an envious glare.
In addition to keeping mean muggers at bay, the hamsa is thought to promote good health and fertility. A hamsa hand with fingers closed together is believed to attract good luck.
6. Keys
The key is one of the oldest and most popular lucky charms. Keys are useful for more than just locked doors! They can symbolize openness in a relationship, a solution to a problem, or a pathway to success.
Wear a key around your neck, in your ear, or in the form of a tattoo as a reminder to yourself that you have the power to move through life’s roadblocks with grace.
7. The Color Green
Feeling blue? Take a walk through greenery. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and improve your memory.
Green inspires visions of wealth and fertility. If you’re feeling stuck, try carrying something green to encourage growth and movement! To give your love life a boost, wear something green in the bedroom. This Cutout Bustier Teddy is a breath of fresh air.
Of course, green is the unofficial color of St. Patrick’s Day. After the Great Famine of the 1840s, Irish immigrants came to America in search of better living and working conditions. They showed pride for their country by wearing green and waving Irish flags.
Today, we celebrate the luck of the Irish by layering on as many green accessories as possible! What’s not to love about an iridescent green hydration bag?
Even if crystals, coins, and amulets can’t guarantee overnight success, they can inspire confidence and courage! Think about what kind of energy you’d like to bring into your life and enjoy the hunt for your perfect talisman. Good luck!
