Maneki- neko

Maneki-neko literally means 'beckoning cat' and is a common Japanese lucky charm believed to being good luck to the owner. The charm depicts a cat with a beckoning upright paw and comes in various sizes, colours, styles and degrees of ornateness.

To westerners it looks like the cat is waving rather than beckoning but this is due to the difference in gestures & body language. The Japanese beckoning gesture is made by holding the hand, palm out and repeatedly folding the fingers down and back up, hence the cat's paw.

There are lot of differing beliefs around the paw. A common belief is that the left paw raised brings in customers, while a right paw brings good luck and wealth. Another interpretation says that a raised left paw attracts money, while a raised right paw protects it. It is also commonly believed the higher the raised paw, the greater the luck. Only average luck for me today then!

Smiling is a good luck charm that makes you stronger.
Silvia Tan