Lucky Charms

Ever wonder why a horseshoe is said to bring good fortune? Here is the folklore behind the most popular symbols of luck.

Four-Leaf Clover
Celtic Druids considered this rare type of clover lucky for its finder. According to one legend, the four leaflets have different meanings: hope, faith, love, and luck.

Horseshoe
As the story goes, the Catholic figure of Saint Dunstan of Canterbury, known for his skill in horse-shoeing, held the devil captive until he agreed never to enter a place where a horseshoe was displayed.

Pot of Gold
The Irish legend says if you catch a leprechaun, he must take you to his treasure at the end of a rainbow.

Rabbit's Foot
There are several versions of the legend. One derived from African-American folklore says that the hind foot of a rabbit captured in a cemetery is believed to confer luck when carried.

Rainbow
In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the rainbow was the symbol of Iris, the messenger of the gods. In Native American culture, a rainbow is seen as a gift from the sun god.

Shooting Star
An old New Orleans Creole superstition says that shooting stars are souls escaping purgatory, and if you see one and make a wish three times before it disappears, the wish will come true.