We’re all a bit superstitious, whether we want to admit it or not. We form attachments to things we believe keep us safe or bring us luck. This can show up in many ways; meditating, manifesting, hoarding certain items, or practicing personal rituals. I’m guilty of allthe aforementioned. Before you say, “That’s not me,” consider this: do you eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day, throw rice at weddings, or knock on wood? If you do, you’re participating in superstitions too.
Because there are so many ways people try to bring luck and protection into their lives, perhaps the simplest approach is to adorn ourselves with symbols of good fortune. By wearing them, we carry a little reminder of luck and protection wherever we go. Here is some background on several symbols of good fortune that double as popular jewelry pieces. And if you’re not superstitious, just wear them to be chic!
Large Dice Charm Necklace, Porter Lyons
Seven Sided Fortuna Bracelet, Porter Lyons
#7 Medallion Charm, Porter Lyons
Horseshoe Charm, Pilot/Powell
SOL Horizon Necklace with Jade, Mignon Faget
Evil Eye Ring, Porter Lyons
Photograph credit: Porter Lyons
The Horseshoe:
The horseshoe has many suspected origins as a good luck charm. Horseshoes themselves were nothing short of a miracle for ancient travelers, their invention enabling exploration beyond previously known boundaries. In the Middle Ages it was thought that iron, as such a powerful, magical metal could ward off witches and evil spirits. It also represented fertility, life and renewal with its crescent shape.
The Wishbone:
According to the book, “Panati’s Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things”this timeless good luck charm originated with the Etruscans. d cChickens were once reportedly considered prescient and when one of their sacred chickens died, the wishbone was stored on an altar for worshippers to touch and make a wish. Eventually, people fought over these religious relics, which led to the bones breaking in half. Overtime this became incorporated into the ritual; the person with the larger broken piece would have their wish granted. The term “lucky break” reportedly comes from this tradition.
The Number 7:
An article in Reader’s Digest reminds us that the number seven is referenced in many ancient religious texts. There are the seven underworlds in Hinduism and seven represents harmony and the five elements in Confucianism.
Mathematically seven is intriguing as well. The article says, “Seven is the only number among those we can count on our hands (1-10) that cannot be divided or multiplied within the group.”
The Evil Eye:
The belief in this symbol spans thousands of years, with roots in ancient Mesopotamia. According to American Academy of Opthamology’s research, “The earliest evidence dates back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamian texts, which include chants to ward off harmful gazes. These beliefs gradually spread across the region and into Egypt, manifesting in gods who were both worshipped and feared, as well as in symbols etched into stone. Later, ancient Greek and Roman texts, including well-known works such as the Iliad, portrayed the eyes as symbols of power, envy, and gateways into the emotions of the heart. They seem to complement early theories suggesting that the eye emitted as well as absorbed light or rays; it projects energy onto whatever it observes, including harmful glances.”
Jade:
Today, Jade is associated with prosperity, protection, and longevity. Historically, it is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture; once considered more valuable than gold because it could create ritual objects, weapons, and jewelry. It also makes a particular noise when it is used. The Gemological Association of Great Britain says, “Jade has been regarded by the Chinese as ‘the musical gem par excellence’ and has been used as a percussion instrument for centuries. The imperial court in China had nephrite chimes and bells designed to ring specific tones.”
Dice:
Dice in all shapes and sizes have been around since 3,000 BC originating in Egypt and China. They are thought to have been used for games, fortune telling and metaphoric of the intersection of destiny and free will.
Sale & Event Picks:
March 20 (10-11:30 a.m.): Floral Workshop with TJ McGrath, New Orleans Museum of Art
MArch 26-27 at 10 a.m.: Estates Auction, Crescent City Auction
