Toki Blog Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat)
The Maneki-Neko or Japanese Lucky Cat also known as the Beckoning Cat.
The Maneki Neko is believed to bring good luck to the owner of a business. A raised right paw is believed to bring fortune and the raised left paw is believed to bring customers / friends.
Lucky Cats have a decorative collar, bell, and usually a bib of some sort; which is how cats of wealthy homes were decorated with during the Edo period in Japan.
Because their exact origins are unknown, but there have been documents that show their existence as early as in the 1870’s. There are many legends and stories of the “1st” Maneki Neko- such as how a cat saved a wealthy man from lightning, another that saves a woman from a snake, and even a cat that brought fortune to a poor sick elderly lady. Despite how each legend differs, they all indicate that the cat is considered lucky!
Some people have said that it looks like the cat is waving, not beckoning! Japanese people beckon people with the fingers faced down, while Westerners beckon with the fingers faced up.
Maneki-neko’s are a great gift to give someone as a good luck item!
Click here to see our Maneki Neko Items!
Tags: japanese-cat, lucky-cat, maneki, mankei-neko
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