Regardless of whether you’re superstitious or sceptical, you’ll almost certainly have come across these good luck charms in life, in popular culture, art and online gaming content like the symbols of your favourite slot games.
You don’t need to believe in lucky charms to find the idea interesting; just where does the concept come from, and why do certain symbols carry the meanings they do? We’re going to take a closer look at the origins and stories behind five of the most popular good luck charms – in online casino games and beyond.
What Are Good Luck Charms?
Good luck charms are symbols, objects or amulets that are believed to have lucky powers. They are usually small or everyday items and symbols, often incorporated into designs, games of chance and gifts. Read on to learn about five of the most popular and well-known lucky charms in the world.
1. Horseshoe
Let’s begin with one of the most archaic lucky symbols – the horseshoe. Back when we needed horses to travel, these were an essential tool for everyday life. Traditionally a horseshoe is affixed to a horse’s hoof using seven nails (seven is often regarded as lucky – see number three on this list), and can often be seen hanging over entrances to houses. The story behind the horseshoe as a good luck charm is from an Irish story in which a devil confronted a blacksmith and demanded that he forged him some fresh shoes. The blacksmith acted fast and nailed a red hot horseshoe to the devil’s foot, which caused him so much pain that it made him leave him alone. This story created the legend of the lucky horseshoe being used to keep evil from the door.
2. Four-Leaf Clover
The four-leaf clover is another famous good luck sign. The common clover leaf has just three sections to it, so a four-leaf clover is extremely rare, but how exactly did it become a symbol for good luck? Well, in short, no one actually knows! Mentions of four-leaf clovers appear in texts from as far back as the 1600s, but it was not until the 19th Century that the first mention of it as a spiritual symbol appeared, most notably in a letter written by a little girl to a newspaper in which she linked the idea of fairies with the clover having magical powers.
3. Number 7
There is no number with as much superstition surrounded it than 7 – the ‘lucky number 7’ motif is part of almost all online casino branding in one form or another, and is very commonly used as a bonus symbol on slot machines for the same reason. There are many reasons why the number has become synonymous with luck: it is mentioned numerous times in the Bible and the Torah, folklore and fairytales, and it is overwhelmingly chosen as a favourite number by people everywhere, not forgetting that it is also a prime number which makes it seem more interesting. All these cultural influences helps explain why 7 has become so exciting, and such a big part of online slot games.
4. Lucky Penny
Pennies are another one of those lucky objects that have become popular symbols on slot games and other casino products. The classic saying goes ‘see a penny pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck’. The origins of this phrase are often debated, although many believe it is linked to the superstition that finding metal meant you were favoured by the gods, or that keeping a penny aside (back when it was worth a lot more than today!) was a good way to keep creditors from the door.
5. Rainbow
Finally, the rainbow is another one of those good luck symbols that has endured for centuries. Besides the obvious symbolism – that the rainbow appears when the sun comes out after rain and is therefore a positive sign of things to come – everyone from the Ancient Greeks to Chinese mythologists have gazed in wonder at the rainbow and attempted to explain its presence and what it must mean. Historically hard to explain, this seemingly magical phenomenon is another popular source of inspiration for chance-based casino games.
These five are just a few of the most common gambling symbols, so now you know their origins you can keep an eye out for them and feel a little educated about superstitions! Wondering how to attract good luck? Well, in some belief systems, there is the idea that being optimistic can help the change you want to see manifest in the world around you. While you can’t wish luck on yourself, an open and positive mindset can do wonders for your mental health and help you see the good in everything. Always play online casino games with a pinch of salt and treat it as entertainment, and you’re bound to have a good time!
See all these symbols in action with the wide range of casino entertainment at NetBet Casino. As well as an extensive library of slot and classic table games, NetBet boasts a sophisticated Live Casino which allows you to play your favourite games in real time and feel like you’re actually in Vegas! Sign up today to claim your Welcome Bonus and start playing!
