Maneki Neko Japanese Lucky Cat Folklore and Gifts
I love cats and have groomed many as a Professional Petsylist. I have had my own and also have family cats. I have visited Japan and have seen cats living around temples and places I went. I have recently had the opportunity to make a few candles and have been trying my hand at the Lucky Cat!
The Lucky Cat is known as Maneki Neko in Japanese, which means “beckoning cat.” The cat has its paw raised as if it’s waving in good fortune for its owners. Other common monikers include Lucky Cat, Fortune Cat, Money Cat, Waving Cat, and Welcoming Cat. We all need a little more luck this year wouldn't you agree?
Did you know that the raised paw actually has a meaning? When the left hand of the cat is raised it is said to bring luck to business while the right hand raised is for home or to invite customers or people.
White- lucky cats bring happiness
Black- protects a household from illness
Green and blue -bring academic success
Red- protects against evil
Yellow/Gold- invites wealth and prosperity
Pink- attracts love and romance
😽 There are many legends about the birth of Maneki-neko, of which the most popular is the legend of Gōtoku-ji temple. One of my favorite versions is about a poor monk in the 17th century who lived in the small Zen temple in Setagaya, Tokyo.
He got up and left his cover and headed for the temple to have a better look at the cat.
Another good story according to a folktale is of a poor operator of an impoverished shop. He took in a starving stray cat even though he hardly had enough for himself. In gratitude, the cat sat in the front of the store beckoning customers, thus bringing prosperity to the man.
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