The Rabbit's Foot

The belief that a rabbit's foot is lucky is common in American culture, but at one time in the past, this belief was considered a superstition, especially one of Afro-American origin. In earlier decades, it was only the left hind foot of the rabbit that was considered lucky and the wearer had to rub it to bring on good luck. This was because people noticed in amazement that when a rabbit ran, its hind feet went ahead of its front ones. Therefore, the hind feet were considered lucky. Some people also believed that the rabbit's foot was a source of protective magic.

The Swastika

The Swastika forms a combination of four Ls standing for Luck, Light, Love and Life. It has been found in excavations of ancient Rome, Grecian cities, as also on ancient Buddhist idols and on Chinese coins dated as early as 315 B.C. American Indians used it as an amulet charm to drive away evil and for good luck, long life and prosperity to the possessor. It is also an auspicious symbol used by people of the Hindu religion. Its use by the Nazis in the second world war caused some damage to its reputation in the west as a symbol of luck.

The Horseshoe

There is good reason to believe that the crescent form of the horseshoe links the symbol to the Moon goddess of ancient Europe, and that the protection invoked is that of the goddess herself, or, more particularly, of her sacred vulva. In regions where the horseshoe is placed facing upward, folks believe the horseshoe must point up "or the luck runs out." In places where it is hung facing downward, they say exactly the opposite - "it must point down so the luck can pour onto you." However, when it is placed over the doorways of barns and stables, the horseshoe usually points downward, and it is said that Ono witch will pass under it.

Abracadabra

This was used by the Gnostics in Rome to invoke the beneficient spirits against disease and death. Sammonicus, the Gnostic physician, believed that the letters of the magical triangle which he used for curing aches and fevers, were to be written on paper, folded into the shape of a cross, worn for nine days around the neck, and, before sunrise, cast behind the patient into a stream running eastward. It was also a popular charm during the Great Plague of 1665.

Four-Leaf Clover

All plants and clovers have leaf arrangements in sets of three. A four-leafed clover is a very rare occurrence and therefore considered lucky. One who finds a four-leafed clover is believed to be lucky. The clover must be plucked and kept for continued luck.

The Wishbone

The hen and the rooster were popular in ancient birdlore. Since the hen cackled when she laid an egg and the cock crowed at the beginning of the day, it was believed that these fowls had special powers and could answer human questions. After the hen oracle was performed, the fowl was sacrificed to a special god. Its collarbone was saved and hung in the sun to dry. The person seeking an answer from God made a wish on the bone, which gave it its name - the wishbone. Afterwards two people snapped the dry bone, each making his own wish. The person holding the longer end was believed to be granted his wish.