Notes » August 2004

Lucky Cat

Patronise any Chinese-owned business, and chances are you've seen one or more lucky cats.

View large image Lucky cats are the Asian version of the piggy banks: "feed" the cat a coin each day to signify success. Paw position is important: a raised left paw attracts money and prosperity; a raised right paw invites good luck.

The one I photographed looked as though it were inviting folks for a shot of Chivas Regal, which was amusing because some believe the cat also wards off evil spirits.

The origin of the lucky cat is believed to be Japanese. According to the legend, the priest of a destitute Tokyo temple shared his meager rations with his pet cat, named Tama. When a feudal lord was caught in a storm while hunting, he sought cover under a large tree near the temple. He spotted Tama beckoning him towards the gate. A moment after he moved inside the temple, lightning struck the spot under the tree where he'd been standing. Tama had saved his life. The lucky cat was born, and has since been treated as an incarnation of the Goddess of Mercy.

The Chinese version revolves around a cat that appeared at a family's home to keep the rats away. Without rats, the silkworm was safe, which increased the family's prospects for gaining wealth and abundance.

Thus, lucky cats are used in the home as well as business. We're not superstitious, but we have a pair in our home.

I put them on top of the television set, to remind us that couch potatoes aren't prosperous.

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