In Japanese folklore, cats are the symbols of good luck and are said to have protective powers.
Going back in time, we find the first mention of the word “neko” (cat) in 8th-century Japanese texts, and Buddhist monks in Nara during the 12th to 14th centuries valued cats for their ability to keep rats away from the shrines. Hence, the cat became a temple and shrine guardian.
The maneki-neko (招き猫, lit. 'beckoning cat') is a common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In modern times, they are usually made of ceramic or plastic. The figurine depicts a cat, traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail, with a paw raised in a beckoning gesture.
The cat symbolizes grace, intelligence, cunning, and independence. The cat is a fascinating animal that cultures around the world have long revered. They are agile and nimble, able to move with silence and stealth. At the same time, they are also fiercely independent, choosing to live on their own terms.
Today the tranquil grounds of Gōtoku-ji are dotted with thousands of beckoning cat statues of varying sizes. Visitors come to see the array of white cats—commonly shaped as a Japanese bobtail, a breed that makes frequent appearances in local folklore—and pray for luck.
In Japanese folklore, cats have protective powers and symbolize good luck and fortune. No example of this is more clear than the story of the maneki-neko. As the story goes, centuries ago, a feudal lord was standing under a tree when he noticed a cat waving at him with his paw.
One of the most common Japanese lucky animals is the lucky cat, also known as the Maneki-neko which translates as 'beckoning cat'. You may have encountered these in an Asian restaurant or shop, as they are popular symbols of good luck, prosperity, success and happiness in both Japan and China.
Ancient Egyptians worshipped many animals for thousands of years. Animals were revered for different reasons. Dogs were valued for their ability to protect and hunt, but cats were thought to be the most special. Egyptians believed cats were magical creatures, capable of bringing good luck to the people who housed them.
The “fortune cats” or Maneki Neko, commonly seen in Japan, are usually depicted as either white or black. They are believed to draw good luck, wealth, and prosperity to their owners. Thespians associate black cats with luck in money and business.
Cats can be viewed as messengers of good omens (Persian), bad omens (Persian and Azande), magical beings used to induce rains as well as transform into genies (Persian) or sorcerers (Yucatec). Furthermore, it appears that cultural continuities regarding cat beliefs exist even between distant Muslim societies.
Bakeneko, the fearsome cat demon from Japanese mythology! As the object of many superstitions all over the world, the cat is not an exception in Japan. Evil creature, the Bakeneko (化け猫 or "changed cat") is a cat demon at the origin of many legends. He is a member of the yokai family: the spirits of Japanese folklore.
In Japan, black cats are considered especially lucky for single women and will help them to be lucky in love. Japanese Maneki Neko are fortune cats, and the black ones are used to ward off evil.
Hello Kitty (Japanese: ハロー・キティ, Hepburn: Harō Kiti), also known by her real name Kitty White (キティ・ホワイト, Kiti Howaito), is a fictional character created by Yuko Shimizu, currently designed by Yuko Yamaguchi, and owned by the Japanese company Sanrio.
In a 2010 critique of the manga series Loveless, the feminist writer T. A. Noonan argued that, in Japanese culture, catgirl characteristics have a similar role to that of the Playboy bunny in western culture, serving as a fetishization of youthful innocence.
- Hello, Kitties: In Japan, cats are revered, adored and sometimes seen as actual demons.
The Japanese black cat is associated with the deity Maneki Neko, or “beckoning cat,” for centuries. According to legend, when a poor monk was sitting in his temple, one day he saw a black cat beckon him towards it with its paw.
Calico (tri-colored) - luckiest cat of all, wealth, and prosperity. Gold - wealth and money. Green - favors students in studies, heals sickness. Pink - attracts love and romance.
Cats are known to be spiritual protectors ever since ancient times so its not surprise they provide us with a sense of calm and relaxation. Kitties purr with a constant rhythm and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz throughout both intake and expiration.
The placement
Since the Lucky Cat is associated with fortune, the wealth corner is the best location of its placement. Place the statue in the southeast direction of your living room. You can also keep it on your office desk which will bring prosperity and career growth.
In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques. According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from.
Background. Cleopatra is the most beautiful woman in Egypt, she even had a pet cat named Cleocatra, and inside Cleopatra's house was the legendary puppy, Buddasi.
Bastet is probably the best-known feline goddess from Egypt. Initially depicted as a lioness, Bastet assumed the image of a cat or a feline-headed woman in the 2nd millennium BCE. Although she combined both nurturing and violent qualities, her shielding and motherly aspects typically were emphasized.
In Japan, cats are revered for giving good luck and other positive results. The popular Japanese cat figurine maneki-neko (招き猫, “beckoning cat”) is typically believed to bring such blessings. The figurine is often of a cat with its paw in an upright position as if beckoning.
The Japanese macaque is the national animal of Japan, and they're also known as snow monkeys in some parts of the country.
Dragons are among the most familiar and powerful symbols in Japan. Conveying the form of the mythical beast, this Articulated Dragon combines elements from several creatures: a snake's body, a fish's scales, and an eagle's talons.