SYMBOLS OF LUCK AROUND THE WORLD! FROM ACORNS TO ELEPHANTS
Thailand and India: Elephant The elephant is said to symbolize wisdom, power, and strength. Folklore also says that if an elephant faces your door, your home will have good luck. This is why many families in both countries often position statues of elephants outside the front door of their businesses or homes. However, the elephant’s trunk must always be pointed up to truly be lucky. Germany: Pigs Pigs are thought to bring good luck and fertility, with many German New Year’s celebrations featuring our porcine barnyard friends. This German idea of pigs being lucky is also likely where keeping money in piggy banks came from!
Japan: Maneki Neko With maneki meaning “beckoning” and “ neko ” meaning cat, the maneki neko is Japan’s symbol of luck in terms of prosperity. You’ve probably seen this symbol before: a tiny cat sitting upright with one paw waving. If the cat’s left paw is raised, it is said to symbolize luck by attracting customers to a place of business. If the right paw is raised, you will have luck with prosperity and money! The color of the cat can also increase its luckiness, with the calico being the luckiest in general, green for health, black for protection, and white for happiness.
March is a month filled with symbols of luck: Images of four-leaf clovers and horseshoes circulate through American media this time of year. But lucky symbols vary from culture to culture.
So, to celebrate the month of good fortune, here are some lucky items from around the world.
England: Acorns While originally used by religious leaders, acorns eventually became symbols of prosperity and strength in England. English soldiers often carried acorns in their pockets to bring them power. Today, acorns are used to protect an individual’s health, and people who carry them are thought to be immune from illness, aches, and pains. If an acorn is given to someone who is sick, they will heal more quickly — very lucky!
IRISH PANCAKES Inspired by TheKitchyKitchen.com
BASKETBALL BOOKS
GUINNESS IDITAROD LEPRECHAUN POPCORN
RAINY SHAMROCK SUFFRAGE WINDY
DAFFODIL DAYLIGHT
INGREDIENTS • 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1 tbsp white sugar • 1 large egg, beaten • 1 cup buttermilk • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
DIRECTIONS 1. In a bowl, sift the dry ingredients together. Set aside. 2. In a skillet, brown 1 tbsp of butter. 3. In a separate bowl, mix the beaten egg, buttermilk, and browned butter. 4. In a constant stream, add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring. Do not overbeat! 5. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tbsp of butter, stir until the skillet is coated, and then add a few large dollops of batter (about 3 inches wide) to the pan. Do not overcrowd. 6. Cook 4–5 minutes a side, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with butter, jam, and syrup.
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