Lucky Cat, 招き猫 ( Maneki Neko ) in Japanese, 、招财猫 （Zhao Cai Mao) in Chinese, also known as Fortune Cat, Beckoning Cat, Money Cat or Welcoming Cat, is a very common FengShui item in Japan and China. They are believed to bring good luck, fortune and wealth to their owner. Normally, they are made of porcelain or ceramic

The origin

Lucky Cat was created during later part of the Edo period (1603-1867) in Japan, and started getting popular at the beginning of 20th century. Nowadays, in Japan and China, they can not only been seen at many shops, restaurants, and other businesses, but also can be found as money banks, air fresheners, key rings, mobile charms, jewellery and many kinds of household products.

The gesture

A raised right paw supposedly attracts money and prosperity; while a raised left paw attracts more customers for your business; Both paws raise brings fortune and happiness to your business and family.

Lucky Cat Money Bank

Different styles of lucky cat beads

Colour

Lucky cats in different colours can bring you different things:

• Tricolor: The background is white with random black and orange patches. This coloring is considered especially lucky and is the most popular colour.
• White: Purity and happiness.
• Black: Health and keep away evil and bad spirits
• Red: Protective color, which can keep you from away evil spirits and illness.
• Gold: Can bring you wealth and prosperity.
• Pink: Will bring you love
• Green: Brings academic achievement and harmony.
• Purple: Brings you beauty, health and wisdom.
• Yellow: Love and happy relationship.
• Blue: Successful career.

Lucky cats in different colours are placed in different directions in your house also make difference

• Yellow in West: Brings Wealth to your business
• Pink in South-east: Brings you love and happy relationship
• White in North-east: Brings you health
• Purple in the centre of your house: Makes your home a good atmosphere for everything
• Blue in North: Keep you and your family away from illness and evil spirits

Symbols on the cats

Usually, there are messages and graphical symbols in Chinese or Japanese which are on the cats' body or the items they are holding to indicate what the cats can bring to their owners, like wealth, happiness etc.

• Eagle / Mountain: Ambition
• Turtle / Crane : Longevity
• Pine/ Bamboo: Fortune
• Flowers: Abundance
• Treasure ship: Wealth
• Aubergine: Harvest and Prosperity
• Bell: Good Luck
• Fish: Extra wealth

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