27 Popular Good Luck Charms and Symbols from Around the World

You may be familiar with good luck charms from your own culture, but what about other symbols of luck from around the world? Some of these symbols are seen as lucky. Other symbols as seen as having the ability to bring good fortune. Different cultures also have symbols for warding off bad fortune or luck. A couple of these symbols are seen as wish makers. Here are the most popular symbols of luck from around the world

27 Popular Good Luck Charms

Insects

Crickets

These insects are considered good luck in Asia. Crickets have also made their way into pop culture, including Cri-kee in Disney's Mulan and Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio. There was also The Cricket in Times Square from the great Chuck Jones.

Ladybugs

When a ladybug lands on you it is said to be good luck. Killing a ladybug is considered bad luck.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies are another lucky insect. The dragonfly was once considered to be a sign of a "good rice harvest." (Twin Groves Museums in the Classroom)

Scarabs

Scarabs date back to Ancient Egypt, when scarabs where considered good luck beetles. (Luckfactory.com)

Natural Objects

Acorns

In Norse folklore, both the acorn and its bearer, the oak tree bring good fortune. A lone acorn is also thought to ward off lightening when placed in a windowsill. For more about the acorn and oak trees, read Superstitions About the Oak Tree and the Acorn.

Rainbow

Rainbows are considered lucky because we all know if we find the end of the rainbow there will be pot of gold. A rainbow also has seven easily discernible colors. The number seven is mentioned below.

Gems and Minerals:

Animals

Dolphins

Dolphins are considered lucky in many different cultures including the Ancient cultures of Greece, Sumer, Egypt, and Rome. For "Christians and Native Americans, the dolphin is a symbol of protection, and its image is said to bring good luck." (Ancient Spiral)

Pigs

Pigs are considered a symbol of good luck in Germanic cultures.

Tortoises

Tortoises are considered a good luck symbol in Feng-Shui decorating.

Elephants