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Good Fortune From China: 4 Symbols of Luck

May 9th, 2014 by The JetSetter Team | Comments Off on Good Fortune From China: 4 Symbols of Luck

JS0411When you’re as business savvy as Jason Hartman, you needn’t rely on luck—but it certainly doesn’t hurt! The Chinese have no shortage of symbols thought to offer good luck and good fortune, and most are plainly visible in our day to day lives. If you’re feeling a little down on your luck, we’re here to provide a way to search it out.

Fish
The fish symbolizes unity, abundance, fidelity, and wealth in Chinese culture. In Chinese, the pronunciation of the word fish is the same as that of the word meaning surplus. Found throughout Asian artwork, the fish is cooked but left uneaten during the Spring Festival as a representation of the desire to always leave something for the coming year. A fish also lives for a long time, and swims as part of a pair or school, representing longevity and unity.

Cabbage
The cabbage, which you may have seen in restaurants, businesses, or homes is a symbol of both wealth and prosperity. The word for cabbage sounds like the word for hundred and also wealth, and is believed to bring not one but hundreds of years of wealth. The cabbage is often made of glass or porcelain and is frequently on display. Different colors or constructions of the cabbage can add additional meaning to the symbol.

Money Tree
We bet you can’t guess what the money tree symbolizes….if you’re struggling (we hope you aren’t), we’ll go ahead and tell you—its abundance and wealth. Actually a Malabar chestnut tree, the money tree became popular in 1986 when a Taiwanese man braided the trunks of several small money trees planted on one plot. The tree is said to bring good fortune to those who have it represented in their home or office. As the tree grows, the number of leaves is said to reflect the owner’s financial future. The plants are popular because they require little work. Plus, the luck thing.

Lucky Cat
We like the lucky cat because the name even tells you it is lucky. Chinese merchants are selling and displaying lucky cats these days, but the symbol actually came from Japan. The Japanese word, which translates to beckoning cat, is typically ceramic and said to bring good luck to the owner. They’re generally placed around the entryway of a business and are usually white, gold, red, or black. Sometimes, the kitties hold a gold coin which rather obviously represents fortune and wealth. (photo credit: Jenn and Tony Bot via photopin cc)

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The Jetsetter Show Team

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