Charm History
Good Luck Charms: An Abbreviated History
By PLR Reviewer Charles L Harmon
As far back as the beginning of time, when God created earth and Adam and Eve, there have been symbols that people associated with good luck. It is said that when God put Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden, Eve picked a four-leaf clover.
She took it with them to help her remember the good times in the Garden of Eden and to bring her good luck on their journey.
What is considered a “good luck charm” to some people might mean nothing to someone else. A person’s good luck charm could be something that they were carrying or wearing when they had good luck. Once an object is considered good luck it usually stays associated with good luck by that person from then on. Good luck charms, amulets, and talismans have two purposes. They bring good luck and ward off bad luck.
Amulet & Talisman
Back of the Catholic Saint Benedict Medal with the Vade Retro Satana abbreviation: 'Step back, Satan.'
Jews, Christians, and Muslims have also at times used their holy books in a talisman-like manner in grave situations. For example, a bed-ridden and seriously ill person would have a holy book placed under part of the bed or cushion.
Crusades
During the crusades, the Nordic countries had their magical alphabet known as “runes” for protection and good luck. They were carvings symbols of battle successes and soldiers carried them as they went into battle.
Ancient Africa Culture
The “lucky” rabbit’s foot that many people carry with them, came to our country when enslaved Africans brought the rabbit’s foot with them. They also considered the rabbit a sign of new, abundant life. Another good luck charm that came from African voodoo ceremonies is the Mojo bag. In this bag, they carried good luck items such as spices, feathers, teeth, and more. When the bag was blessed, it would give the person carrying it a magical effect and good luck.
The Caribbean
Some of the people of the Caribbean believe that certain drawings are used as amulets, or talismans. In certain types of voodoo and religions, different colored candles mean good luck. They also believe that certain perfumes and essences can bring good luck.
If someone really believes they have good luck, whether it is a necklace, a bracelet, or something they carry in their pocket, it helps their performance in certain situations. This can happen even if the good luck and the event are not linked. What people believe are Good luck charms is as different as the cultures they emerged from. Passed down from generation to generation the information and charm may be misunderstood and changed.
Elephants are known to be good luck and you will get money. This seems silly. If you offered the elephant a dollar bill what would he do with it? Eat it, trash it, poop on it? Does the elephant know what a bank note is? Does the elephant have connections that will send good luck or money your way? How can an elephant bring you good luck?
Good luck charms are found all over the world and among people of all nations and cultures. In today’s society, people may have Good luck charms that came to them from a family member. Some may even be starting a tradition of having a good luck charm, and giving it to their child. If you have something that you consider a good luck charm, do not let anyone tell you that it is not lucky. If you feel it is lucky, then it is…to you and that is all that matters.
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Questions about Good Luck Charms
George asks…
How do I make a cute South Korean good luck charm?
Okie Dokie so tomorrow is my best friend’s high school placement test! He is relevantly new to America. He came from South Korean to study in America and I wanna make him a really cute good luck charm to remind him of home and wish him luck on his test! So can anyone help me???
Suzi Q answers:
You could make a mini Korean flag using something like clay or cookies
or make a shape and in the shape write the word 파이팅 or 대한민국
I’m not sure if you’re Korean or not but you should attempt to write in Korean cuz it’s thoughtful and cute ^~^ good luck!!!
Ruth asks…
Chinese lucky charms? are they true?
Im just wondering if chinese lucky charms are real and true? is there any chinese lucky charm for love? hehe
Suzi Q answers:
Charms have power and authority. But it’s not like most would believe. Charms have all of the power and authority that you yourself instill in them through your belief. If you don’t believe, they don’t work. If you do believe, they are strong. It’s that way with everything having to do with faith.
Daniel asks…
I want to make a homemade good luck charm, what are some ideas you have?
So my cousin and her husband are going for a year long mission trip to Africa and I wanted to make them a homemade good luck charm. The only problem is I don’t know what to make them… I was thinking a bracelet or something that can be easily carried but I don’t know what to use or what to make.
Can anyone help me out?
Luvli Mystii answers:
People in the 1850’s used to use nickles to make “love tokens” as gifts for their “true-loves.” They would bore a hole for a chain or ribbon and then smooth off the design (leaving the back side to show it was made from a nickle). They then would scratch a design, usually the true-love’s name surrounded by flowers or ribbons. In the 20th Century, hobos would do the same but instead, they would leave the Indian (on buffalo nickles) or Jefferson (on later nickles) and inscribe different hats and other things so that a figure not an Indian or Jefferson was left in the design.
How about using a nickle, and smoothing off the obverse picture and then inscribing an upwardly pointing horseshoe inside of which is a three or four-leaf clover. Maybe you can inscribe “good luck” in the design someplace.
Chris asks…
how can you make somthing a lucky charm or a good luck charm?
Luvli Mystii answers:
Ask a priest to bless.
Carol asks…
What is your good luck charm?
can you lend me some of your good luck charms for a while or give me some great advise of life for making life better and being more successful. thanks in advance!
admin answers:
I am my own good luck charm!!
Sandra asks…
How to stop thinking like this? good luck charm?
Okay, so i know this sounds stupid, but, i have a necklace, which has a cross pendant in it.
and ive come to think that its my good luck charm.
Everytime i take it off and wear another necklace, I always fall out with my friends, or something like that. And if i fall out with them, then i put the necklace on again, what ever day ive got it on, we usually make friends again.
also, I wear it for all my exams and important things, and i do well in them.
Like, today i wore a different necklace, and i fell out with my friends. i know that it probably is me who is causing the fall outs and not the necklace, but now i jsut think the necklace is my good luck charm or something.
I know it sounds so pathetic and stupid, and i reallly dont want to think of it as a good luck charm, but after everything that has happened when i dont wear it, i kind of jsut think that.
please help me in anyway you can 😀
thanks.
Luvli Mystii answers:
It’s not unhealthy to think of something as a good luck charm. The human mind is a very complex thing. Personally i think you should just keep it with you at all times. It seems to help you make better decisions in life and that will make you happier and more successful. Regardless if something has good luck or bad luck. If it helps you in life it’s a good thing.
Besides it’s not nearly as weird or stupid as people that are afraid of black cats and cracked mirrors. Gold luck charms are very common and accepted in Society.
Donna asks…
Are Siamese cats Lucky Charms?
I heard about it from some chinese tales, I have one but i have never tried anything for luck…My friends looking for a four leaf clover right now if shes not. If No, then please suggest other charms here.
Suzi Q answers:
ITS A MYTH
BEST
Questions about Lucky Charms (the cereal)
Maria asks…
i really want o start a petition on bringing back lucky charms but i dont know how to start it hu wud sign it?
i abso LOVE lucky charms but i live in england where those Fooools! took it off the market how many of you would sign the petition if i started one???
Suzi Q answers:
You can order lucky charms online.
Susan asks…
why dont they sell luky charms here anymore??? i used to love lucky charms :(?
i live in ireland 🙂
they used to sell them here but they stopped years ago 🙁
i dont want to buy them i jus wana no why they stopped sellin them?
Suzi Q answers:
Its a big conspiracy from the leprechauns. Unite and fight to get back your lucky charms
Mary asks…
I used to love “Lucky Charms” cereal. Does anyone remember it & know where in England it might be sold?
Which shops please?
Suzi Q answers:
Selfridges does that and Oreos cereal; crazily expensive though; over £5 a box; and I get through 2 a week…
Donald asks…
Does any one know where to get lucky charms for cheap uk?
I loved lucky charms!!!!!!!
Suzi Q answers:
You can buy they from Harrods and Selfridges at £8 a box 🙂
Other than that, don’t think u can buy them else where, except if u ordered them from the USA. Try ebay.
I love lucky charms, wish they would sell them properly in the UK at standard rates 🙁
Betty asks…
Anyone know where i can get Lucky Charms cereal ?
i used to love lucky charms but they stopped selling it in the UK, so does anyone know where i can get it shipped over from America or somewhere ??? its a childhood favourite and i love all the different coloured cereal bits :D:D:D:D:D
Suzi Q answers:
Order it online
Ken asks…
lucky charms cereal. love it or hate it ? ;)?
Suzi Q answers:
Is it real? I thought it was a joke in an Austin Powers movie!
Lizzie asks…
Who here loves Lucky Charms Cereal?
I love the marshmallows!
Suzi Q answers:
It’s the only cereal I’ll eat!
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