"A person who finds a four-leaved clover, and believes it is a
harbinger of something good, has adopted the right attitude, for he
keeps a keen look-out for that particular good and holds out both hands
for it. Seldom is he disappointed, for he has unconsciously set going
the mental machinery which brings his wishes within reach. Had he not
found the clover and had gone along life's highway unexpectant of
anything good, he would never have discovered this pleasant happening.
And therein lies the true psychology of luck, which seems too simple
to be true, but then its simplicity is really the sign-manual of its
verity."
This quotation from the writings of a well-known author goes direct to
the point about talismans. If you adopt a talisman and put your faith
in it, you immediately prepare your mind for receiving an abundance
of good fortune. Reject all talismans and argue that there is no such
thing as luck, and you straightway set going the mental machinery which
looks on the dark side of things and which misses every slice of luck
that comes along. Therefore, we say, with emphasis, take to yourself a
talisman, a mascot, a charm--call it what you will--and you will never
regret it.
[Illustration]
Of talismans, there are countless varieties; some are known the world
over, others are the particular choice of individuals. They range from
the amulets and scarabs of the ancients to the golliwogs and crudities
of the ultra-moderns. Your choice may roam between these two extremes,
but whatever your choice, it must be set with the seal of your faith.
In order to assist you in picking out a talisman for yourself, we
append the following accounts of those examples which are favored
most:--
_THE HORSE-SHOE._--No symbol is a greater favorite than the horse-shoe.
There are many legends regarding its origin, but the most commonly
accepted concerns the well-known visit of his Satanic Majesty to the
shoe-smith. As a consequence, the Devil evinced a wholesome dread of
horseshoes, and would not go near a house or person possessing one.
It is more likely, however, that the horse-shoe was accepted as a
symbol of luck because it was a commonplace object very nearly the same
shape as the metal crescents worn by the Romans when they wanted to be
fortunate. These crescents were always carried with the horns turned
up, and, if a horse-shoe is to bring good luck, it, too, must be placed
with the prongs uppermost. The reason for the prongs being so turned
depends on a belief that misfortune always travels in circles, but when
it reaches the tips of a horse-shoe, it is baffled, unless all the luck
has already run out of the tips through them being turned downwards.
Of course, an old, worn shoe is more lucky than a new one, and it is a
recognized fact that the more nails found in it the luckier will be the
finder.
_THE SCARAB._--This device is accounted very lucky or very unlucky,
according to the disposition of the wearer. The symbol represents
the scarab beetle with its wings outspread or with them closed. Such
charms are made to-day in large numbers for sale in Egypt, but those
who trade in them usually claim that each particular specimen has been
in the family since Biblical times. As a rule, the device is made in a
rough kind of bluish porcelain and is carved, in intaglio, with divine
figures. The Egyptians used to make up the scarab as a neck pendant
or as a little ornament for placing in the coffins of the dead. Its
mission was to scare away the evil one.
[Illustration: No. 2.--An Egyptian Scarab, such as were used as
talismen. Two forms are shown, one with the pectoral wings outspread;
the other, with wings closed.]
_THE TET._--This symbol was shaped somewhat like a mallet, and was
always worn with the head uppermost and the handle hanging down. It
was made in porcelain or stone, and was often colored gaudily. The
Egyptians were the first to find efficacy in this charm, and they wore
it suspended around the neck to ward off attacks from visible and
invisible enemies. Thus, it was a protection against evil in any form;
it was also supposed to provide the wearer with strength and endurance.
The tet has been much forgotten of late years, but there are adherents
who value it above the horseshoe and almost any other charm.
[Illustration: No. 3.--The Talisman on the left is the Tet; on the
right, the Arrow-Head.]
_THE ARROW-HEAD._--The early Britons spent a great deal of their time
in taking suitable flints and shaping them into the form of triangles.
These were called arrow-heads, and when the two side edges had been
sharpened they were fixed into sticks and used as weapons or tools.
Out of this use grew the idea that arrow-heads were potent charms in
providing bodily protection against enemy force or the usual illnesses.
Accordingly, people began to wear them as neck ornaments and, for
this purpose, decorative arrow-heads were made. Ever since then, they
have been cherished for their powers in warding off attacks, and a
superstition still exists which claims that if one of these arrow-heads
is dipped in water, the water will be more potent than any doctor's
medicine.
_THE CADUCEUS._--This device, which figures as part of the design of
some postage stamps, has been considered a bringer of good fortune
ever since the time of the ancient Greeks. It consists of two snakes
entwining a rod, surmounted by a pine cone. By the side of the cone
is a pair of wings. It was the symbol of Mercury. The rod had the
supernatural powers of quelling disputes and letting people dwell in
harmony. The snakes possessed the property of healing; the pine cone
preserved good health; and the wings stood for speed and progress. Thus
people wear the caduceus today in order to ensure a life free from
quarrels and illness, and to enable them to be healthy and "go ahead."
[Illustration: No. 4.--The Caduceus or Staff of Mercury.]
_THE EYE AGATE._--As is generally appreciated, the "evil eye" is the
source of all trouble and misfortunes, and the early Eastern races
thought that, if the "evil eye" could be avoided or frightened away,
all would be well. Searching for a charm to effect their purpose, they
alighted upon the eye agate, and this they believed would give no
quarter to the "evil eye." Accordingly, agates were cut to resemble
an eye which would be powerful enough to neutralize the effects of
the evil one, and these were worn as brooches, rings and necklaces.
The agate chosen for the purpose consisted of thin layers of stone of
various colors. Thus, by cutting the stones oval and removing parts of
the top layers, it was possible to produce a charm closely resembling a
human eye, both in shape and color.
Such eyes are still sold today, and many people treasure them in the
hope that they will ward off evil in any form.
_THE JADE AXE-HEAD._--Many jewelers still sell little axe-heads carved
out of jade, for wearing around the neck. The axe-head has been
considered a symbol of strength and vigor ever since primitive times,
and jade has a world-wide reputation as a charm against disease and
accidents.
_THE SEAL OF SOLOMON._--This device is now regarded as a symbol of
the Jewish religion, but it can be traced to several other religions,
and, no doubt, it dates even farther back than the commencement of the
Jewish era. The triangle with the upward point stood for goodness;
the triangle with the downward point for wickedness; while the two
intertwined symbolized the triumph of good over bad. Those who wear the
device contend that it preserves them from all that is ill, and, at the
same time, it gives them a share of the world's blessings.
[Illustration: No. 5.--The Seal of Solomon, one of the oldest lucky
charms in existence.]
_THE ABRACADABRA._--This charm dates from the second century, and was
a symbol of the Gnostic worship. It often took the form of a little
piece of parchment, folded into the shape of a cross, but it can, also,
be seen as a tablet, made of stone or metal, shaped like an inverted
triangle. On the charm, of whatever shape, was inscribed the following:
A B R A C A D A B R A
B R A C A D A B R
R A C A D A B
A C A D A
C A D
A
It will be seen that the word "Abracadabra" can be read along the upper
line and also down and up the two sides. This word is said to conceal
the name of God and the charm has the powers of warding off dangers and
sickness.
_THE FOUR-LEAF CLOVER OR SHAMROCK._--Everyone knows that a four-leaf
clover or shamrock is supposed to be a bringer of luck and good
fortune. As these are not readily found and, moreover, they soon
perish, the opportunity has been seized by jewelers to produce
artificial ones in various precious and semi-precious metals. To wear
either is supposed to avoid misfortune. It may be mentioned that the
four-leaf Shamrock as a charm has proved immensely popular by those who
are interested in the Irish sweepstakes.
_BLACK CATS._--Of course, it is lucky for a black cat to walk into your
house, but failing an actual cat, a counterfeit one serves the same
purpose. Thus, people who pin their faith to black cats often make
stuffed ones, or draw pictures of them, and look to the creature of
their own handiwork to serve the role of mascot.
_YOUR OWN TALISMAN._--So far, the talismans that have received
universal acceptance have alone been mentioned, but the tendency today
is for enthusiasts to originate a mascot of their very own. It may take
any or every form, according to the whim or fancy of the individual.
Maybe you will prefer to find your own mascot or talisman in this
direction. If you have no preferences, why not constitute a device
which embraces your lucky number, your lucky flower, your lucky color,
and so on? It is a suggestion bristling with opportunities.
Just to show that people are tending towards the idea of choosing a
talisman of their very own, we will conclude with a story that was
recently published.
"There is a precious stone to which the board of directors of a firm of
diamond dealers annually pass a vote of thanks. The stone is a sapphire
and it has been named Shani, meaning 'bringer of luck.'
"Shani was bought by the firm about seventy years ago, and it only
leaves the safe on New Year's Day. A special meeting, attended by every
member of the firm, is then held in the board room. Shani is placed in
the middle of the table and, with hands clasped in prayer, the members
offer thanks for the good luck the sapphire has brought the firm during
the preceding year.
"One of the directors said, 'My grandfather once received a tempting
offer for Shani and yielded, but a few hours after the sapphire had
been sent away he was taken violently ill with fever. The sapphire was
brought back from a distant part of India, and my grandfather became
well at once.'"
Should not we all have a Shani?