Surely you have seen Maneki Neko, whether or not you are a fan of Japanese tradition. Shall we give this wonderful and lucky Japanese kitten special attention? Let’s take a closer look at them.
Maneki Neko, the beckoning cat from Japan
Author: SaiKaiAngel
Also known as “lucky cat” is famous all over the world. The Maneki-Neko is a true Japanese symbol, with origins in Tokyo during the Edo period.
Originally Maneki Neko were made of wood, metal, porcelain or cast iron. Today they can be found in all kinds of materials, especially plastic.
photo credits: www.dailyartmagazine.com
The origins
The origins are shrouded in mystery. There are some tales and the most famous is that of the samurai who, sitting in the rain under a large tree in front of a temple, was called with a nod of his paw. The samurai then headed towards him and at that very moment, a flash of light struck the tree under which he had been a few moments earlier. The cat then saved the samurai from certain death.
Another story tells of a shopkeeper who caught a cat in the rain, and the cat sat down in front of the shop, beckoning the customers to come in, as a sign of thanks.
Another legend, perhaps a little more bizarre, revolves around a courtesan who loved her domestic cat. The owner convinced that the cat was possessed, cut off his head in an attempt to exorcise it, just as a snake was about to bite the courtesan. The decapitated head flew in the air and landed on the snake, killing it instantly and saving the girl. The girl felt desperate because of the loss and, to give her a smile someone made her a statue of her cat, it seems that so was born the first Maneki-Neko.
The differences between Maneki Neko
photo credits: @punamkhokhar
The cats all look similar, but if you look closely, you will discover even very small variations that change their meaning.
For example, depending on the position of the paw, Maneki Neko has different meanings:
- Left leg raised: attracts customers and good business. So Maneki Neko with the left paw raised is suitable for businesses, shops and activities that take place mainly at night such as nightclubs, bars and discos.
- Right leg raised: wish money and good luck.
- Both legs raised: it can mean “double luck!” and protection from bad luck, although the gesture can also be seen as a celebratory cheer. Obviously the legs must be at a different height because at the same height they would mean “surrendered” and obviously this is not the case of our Maneki Neko.
We can also occasionally find a coin together with the cat and this, of course, represents prosperity, wealth and money.
The bib and bell are generally associated with protection and abundance.
Who to give the Maneki Neko to?
Obviously, depending on the person we want to pay tribute to, it will be positioned differently. How to find the right place? Read here:
- At home: it should be located in the southeast part of the house, which is the wealth/money area.
- For work: Maneki Neko is usually kept close to the entrances so that people who enter can actually see it. If this is not possible, it can be kept in the northeast area of the business premises.
- For offices: place your Maneki Neko as close to the office as possible.
Of course, even depending on the colour, it has a different meaning, let’s go see them all:
- Tricolour: attracts good luck, wealth, prosperity.
- White: the color of purity, white Maneki Neko attract purity and happiness.
- Black: they are seen as guards. They protect against negative energies and evil. They also help drive out stalkers and provide security, comfort and peace.
- Golden colour is associated with wealth and money. This Maneki Neko attracts material and monetary benefits and therefore can be found a lot in shops, restaurants and other workplaces.
- Red: red, like black, is a protector and is used to protect against evil and disease. It is good to keep one in the children’s room.
- Pink: pink is the colour of love, so this Maneki Neko attracts love and romance.
- Green: this Maneki Neko helps students to increase their concentration towards their studies, protecting them from diseases and helping them to heal if they need it.
- Blue: attracts peace, harmony and happiness for family members.