Lots of things claim to generate good fortune for the lucky holder—a found penny, a four-leaf clover, and a rabbit's foot, although apparently not all that lucky for the poor rabbit. :)
There are also various locations around the world that are said to be lucky. Here's a smattering of lucky locations to visit.
The Blarney Stone in Cork, Ireland: Found at the top of Blarney Castle (a trek up old steep stone steps that provides quite a workout before you get near the famous stone), it has long been held that anyone who kisses the Blarney Stone will be blessed with the gift of great eloquence and powers of persuasion. BUT, as someone who has been there…well, let's just say that it's not the most sanitary of activities. :)
Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois: In Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery is the tomb of our sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln. And at that tomb is a large sculpture by Gutzon Borglum, the man responsible for Mt. Rushmore. For many years, visitors have rubbed Lincoln's nose for good luck.
Winged Figures of the Republic, Nevada: These thirty-foot-tall Art Deco bronze sculptures are on the Nevada side of Hoover Dam, overlooking the canyon. Rubbing their toes is said to bless you with good luck.
St. John of Nepomuk in Prague, Czech Republic: Although there are more than two dozen sculptures along the famed Charles Bridge, only one of them is said to be lucky. Rubbing the plaque on the statue of St.John of Nepomuk, Archbishop of Prague when he was tortured and thrown in the river in 1393, is supposed to be lucky. Hopefully luckier than the location was for the Archbishop. :)
Everard 't Serclaes in Brussels, Belgium: In 1356, Everard 't Serclaes, a resident of Brussels, saved his city from an attack by the Flemish. A relief likeness of him is displayed near the Grand Place. Rubbing it brings good luck.
Schoner Brunnen fountain in Nuremburg, Germany: A seamless brass ring set into one of the railings surrounding Schoner Brunnen fountain is attributed with the power to make wishes come true, but only if you turn the ring three times. That reminds me of my childhood and grabbinig for the brass ring on the merry-go-round at Santa Monica Pier.
Laughing Buddha in Hangzhou, China: The concept of patting a Buddha's belly for luck started in Hangzhou's Lingyin Temple which has been around since 328 AD. The temple has thousands of Buddhas, but the one visitors love to see is the Laughing Buddha. Patting his belly will bring wealth, good luck, and prosperity.
Bull Mosaic in Milan, Italy: Being a bull in Spain does not guarantee you a long or even comfortable life. But there's one bull in Italy who really has it tough. The Bull Mosaic on the floor of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is subjected to particularly rough treatment. It's said to be good luck if you place your heel on the bull's testicles and spin around in a circle. All I can say is ouch!
On next week's blog, the last Sunday before Christmas, I'll be talking about the ancient origins of the Christmas holiday.
4 comments:
What a neat post, Samantha. I had no idea there were so many "places" considered lucky. I visited Blarney Castle this fall but was too claustrophobic to make it to the top to kiss the stone. Hopefully, I didn't "lose" too much luck!
Geat post, Samantha. I've been to Blarney Castle but didn't make the trip up to kiss the stone. My husband did, but he's still the same taciturn guy. LOL I had heard of rubbing the belly of the laughing Buddha, but none of the other sites.
Maeve: I can understand why someone didn't make it to the top to kiss the stone. It was definitely a trek. Rest assured, you didn't lose any luck. :)
Caroline: Yep, it's definitely a sincere climb to the top of the castle. Not a bountiful bunch of good luck for hubby? I guess that speaks for the validity of the myth. :)
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