St. Patrick’s Day is a meaningful time to consider the heritage and luck embodied in our family treasures.
The festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day offers a beautiful opportunity to celebrate a day filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of shared traditions. For many, it also serves as a moment to reflect on the objects that bring us a sense of luck.
Whether it’s a well-worn horseshoe above a doorway or a delicate silver Claddagh ring passed down through generations, these objects don’t just hold superstition — they ground us in our heritage.
Still, the Irish aren’t the only ones with lucky items to keep them from harm. Other cultures have their own amulets, statues and medallions with rich traditions. These items serve as touchstones for hope and protection, embodying the rich heritage and shared human experience that span across continents.
This is your guide to treasures that have become synonymous with good luck worldwide.
Metal Lucky Charms Through History
Throughout history, humans have sought symbols and objects that were thought to carry lucky properties to guide them. Ancient cultures, from China to Ireland, have circulated objects that carried wishes for good fortune through the generations.
The idea of lucky symbols has originated in many cultures for thousands of years. There is no exact origin to when they were first thought of, but they have been a fundamental part of human belief systems throughout time.
Supposedly, the tradition of wearing amulets for protection first began in ancient Egypt. People would carry or wear charms in the shape of scarab beetles, which were thought of as lucky at the time because of their association with the sun god Ra. They would also wear the symbol of the ankh — meaning eternal life, to protect them from evil forces.
Armies from many different cultures used metal symbols for protection when fighting. Bronze eagles were a symbol of good luck used by Roman legions on armor and the tops of spears for good luck in battle. Norse warriors would wear pendants of Thor’s hammer to invoke blessings during times of conflict. In the 18th century in Europe, small metal cherub-faced dolls would be gifted to soldiers to protect them on the battlefront.
There were specific luck symbols for women, too. Crescent moon-shaped pieces were sought after in ancient Greece because the goddess Diana was associated with the moon, making her the protector of women. Another symbol from this culture was the Gorgon’s head — a mythical creature with snakes for hair. Wearing an amulet of this creature was said to grant you protection from evil.
The ancient Chinese believed that jade attracted positive energy. People began wearing jade necklaces and pins to repel evil spirits. Bronze or gold coins were also seen as a symbol of protection and prosperity.
In Europe, horseshoes became a popular lucky symbol because the iron material and crescent shape were believed to repel evil. Hanging horseshoes with the open end facing upward was common, resembling a cup to catch and hold luck. Many believed placing it above a doorway would invite protection and positivity into the home.
These items carry with them the weight of history and the essence of the cultures they originate from. Often passed down through generations, they remind us that we are part of a larger tapestry — connected through these beautiful, symbolic treasures.
St. Patrick’s Day Symbols
Some of the most well-known lucky items come from St. Patrick’s Day. What was once a celebration of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland has taken over popular culture with superstition and magic.
The four-leaf clover — or shamrock — is perhaps the most iconic symbol of St. Patrick’s Day. While they are elusive to find in the wild, the symbol itself is usually worn as necklaces, earrings, or broaches, as well as on decor in the home. Each leaf represents something special: faith, hope, love, and luck.
This symbol is also said to have been used as an educational symbol by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish. While the religious aspect has essentially disappeared in modern culture, its overall superstition is still significant. Metal representations of shamrocks are cherished keepsakes that can be passed down through generations for good luck.
Similarly, the Celtic knot is another popular good luck charm. With intricate, interlacing patterns, they have become iconic symbols of Celtic culture and heritage. These designs, characterized by continuous loops with no clear beginning or end, symbolize eternity, interconnectedness, and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
While the Trinity Knot is the most recognized of these — it is actually the Shield Knot that has long been used to ward off evil spirits. They are most commonly seen on headstones and other protective items such as Celtic crosses.
Another popular Irish good luck symbol is the Claddagh — meaning love, loyalty, and friendship. Usually in a silver or gold ring form, its design features two hands holding a heart topped with a crown. It is given to a significant other as a good luck charm in relationships to symbolize commitment and trust.
Lucky pennies are also a common Irish item to ward off back luck. An old Irish wedding tradition encourages brides to put a coin (formally a bronze ha’penny) in their shoes to bring luck to the new marriage. While the bronze penny has been discontinued and is now made with copper, the bronze version is popular with collectors and non-collectors alike.
Adding any of these charms adds a special layer of depth to your festivities and bridges the past and the present.
Other Lucky Symbols from Around the World
As civilizations evolved, so did their lucky charms. Many have stood the test of time, and others were adopted by other cultures, creating a fascinating diffusion.
The Maneki-Neko cats in many Chinese restaurants and other businesses are actually metal Japanese figurines meant to symbolize good luck and prosperity. They were adopted by many other Asian shops and are simply known as lucky cats to most Westerners.
The symbol of the ladybug as good luck comes from Eastern European folklore. They are seen as a positive fortune for safeguarding crops, which is why the iconography is usually found in garden items like metal trellises and as features on plant pots.
Astrological signs, first formalized by the ancient Greeks, are often used as good luck charms in modern times. Many people wear necklaces or carry pendants with their astrological signs to bring them good luck.
In many cultures, elephants are symbols of strength, wisdom, and good luck. Statues of elephants with their trunks raised are often placed in homes and businesses to attract good fortune.
The concept of luck is constantly evolving. Today’s charms — a mix of old and new reflect our changing world and remind us that luck is often what we make of it.
Any good luck charm, from shamrock earrings to a metal elephant statue to display in the garden, can become an heirloom, just waiting to gift future blessings.
Keeping Luck Alive
Lucky items must be cleaned and restored with care. Some quick tips are to store metal items in tarnish-resistant cloth, Regularly dust large items with a soft cloth to prevent dirt buildup, handle all your antique items with clean, dry hands or gloves, and avoid exposing pieces to extreme temperatures.
Try to clean your pieces regularly to avoid tarnish buildup, and then store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consider using a specialized silver polish or mix a paste with baking soda and water with a few drops of mild dish soap for tarnished silver.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the tarnished areas, rinse with clean water, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth — finishing with one made from microfiber to restore the shine.
While this type of cleaning can work for many items, some heirlooms require expert care. Schedule periodic inspections — especially if your lucky charm is a highly valuable antique or severely damaged and tarnished.
Whether you’re cleaning them at home or entrusting them to our team, taking care of these treasures ensures they’ll continue to bring luck and joy for generations to come.
Let Biro & Sons Help Keep Luck On Your Side
As we prepare for St. Patrick’s Day, let us help you transform your worn and tarnished heirlooms into radiant symbols of luck and protection, ready to inspire new generations.
Together, let’s celebrate the resilience and magic of these symbols and the joy they bring to our lives. May your restored charms light your path with luck, happiness, and the comforting embrace of history.