Dear History Lover:

          From Ancient Egyptians carrying scarab beetle amulets to modern athletes donning favorite socks and undergarments, humans have long been captivated by the concept of luck. This enduring fascination, which defies logic and transcends culture, reveals a deep-seeded desire to understand and influence the unpredictable forces shaping our lives. While some dismiss lucky charms as mere superstition, the concept continues to hold weight, offering a sense of control in a world of uncertainty.

          Civilizations, including those of Ancient Egypt, the Greece-Romans, Southeast Asia, and the Orient used amulets and talismans made from various metals, such as gold and silver, as well as precious stones. One of the oldest symbols of fortune is the swastika, with origins spanning back over 5,000 years. Long before its perverse association with the Nazi regime, the swastika represented divinity, spirituality, and well-being across Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism religions and schools of thought. The word ‘swastika,’ derived from Sanskrit ‘svastika,’ means “conducive to well-being.” 

          The influence of religious weight on symbols of luck is profound, with many cultures incorporating artifacts into their charms for protection and prosperity.  Whether a Hindu yantra, a Christian crucifix, an Islamic crescent moon, or a Turkish bonjuk (evil eye), the integration of religious artifacts as symbols of luck is guided by an innate belief in a higher spiritual power to be held responsible for protection and guidance.

          Folklore and superstition also play a crucial role in the development of lucky symbols and rituals surrounding them. Take the humble horseshoe, for instance. Many believe it emerged as a symbol of luck to honor St. Dunstan, the English saint of blacksmiths. One version of the tale depicts the devil, disguised as a horse, visiting St. Dunstan for new shoes. Recognizing the shapeshifter, St. Dustan hammered a scorching hot horseshoe onto the devil’s hoof. Howling in pain and under duress, the devil relented and promised to never cross a threshold displaying a horseshoe nailed above it. 

          Over the centuries, countless households have nailed horseshoes over their doors in the hopes of protecting their domiciles from evil, forging this charm into contemporary folklore and popular culture. 

          Judaism, which decrees one may not worship an idol nor an object, sees many followers placing a mezuzah— a small container with a prayer scroll inside— on the doorposts of their homes. The tradition stretches back many thousands of years. Upon the exodus from Egypt in 1310 BCE, Jews were commanded to mark their domicile with the blood of a sacrificial lamb, thus signaling that the Angel of Death ‘pass over’ their home, sparing their firstborn from death due to lethal plagues. The practice became the origin story for the etymology of ‘Passover,' which recalls the Jewish peoples’ escape from slavery under Egyptian rule.

          The mezuzah not only replaced the archaic symbol of animal sacrifice, but it also provided a tangible reminder, separating outside chaos from the peaceful sanctity of home. 

         Some believers touch the talisman upon crossing the threshold, and in certain places, such as Turkey, prayers are recited for health and success as one leaves the home. The mezuzah remains a powerful symbol of protection, faith, and good luck for households to this day.

          In contemporary commercial culture, lucky symbols have become widely used in advertising, branding, and consumerism. Look no further than General Mills' iconic "magically delicious" cereal Lucky Charms. In 1964, product developer John Holahan devised a clever way to enhance plain oat cereal by adding a whimsical leprechaun mascot and sprinkling in marshmallow shapes, such as hearts, stars, four-leaf clovers, moons, rainbows, horseshoes (added in 1983), and more. Companies use the prospect of luck to increase profit and create a sense of optimism. This causes a noticeable shift in how symbols are perceived, with modern interpretations deviating from traditional origins. For instance, legend says that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity when he introduced Christianity to Pagan Ireland in 432 AD. Today, the cultural importance of the shamrock is overshadowed by its commercialization leading in to St. Patrick’s Day, attracting patrons to frequent bars serving green beer, with kitschy costumes, and “Kiss me, I’m Irish” shirts.

          From ancient antiquity to contemporary culture, luck sways our beliefs and actions. While some view it as superstition, even the most incredulous may possess objects of sentimentality. Whether seeking comfort in a family heirloom or embracing a new ‘chachky,’ the allure of good luck symbols showcase a blend of history, lore, and ritual. However, the truest luck lies in our unique capacity to manifest our futures. If one’s ability to catalyze good fortune is emboldened by tossing a penny into a well, then so be it. We wish you luck, health, and history this Springtime.