Luck, Good

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424. Luck, Good

albatross its presence portends good luck. [Br. Lit.: “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” in Norton, 597–610]
bat symbol of good fortune; bat flesh imparts felicity. [Eastern Folklore: Mercatante, 182]
carnelian brings luck; drives away evil. [Gem Symbolism: Kunz, 62–63]
crossed fingers said to bring good luck to a person. [Western Folklore: Misc.]
four-leaf clover indicates good luck. [Plant Symbolism: Jobes, 350]
gypsum in egg shaped form, brings good fortune. [Gem Symbolism: Kunz, 80]
horseshoe protective talisman placed over doors of churches, stables, etc. [Western Folklore: Leach, 505 ]
Irish sweepstakes only lucky people win this famous lottery. [Irish Hist.: NCE, 1614]
knock on wood to bring good luck and ward off bad luck. [Am. Folklore: Misc.]
moonstone sacred stone; brings good fortune. [Gem Symbolism: Kunz, 97–98]
new penny placing new penny in gift of purse brings recipient good luck. [Western Folklore: Misc.]
penny finding one by chance in street brings good luck. [Western Folklore: Misc.]
penny loafer placing penny in slot at top of shoe brings good fortune. [Am. Folklore: Misc.]
Polycrates tyrant of Samos, known and feared for his proverbial good luck, though it is not permanent. [Gk. Hist.: Benét, 801]
rabbit’s foot proverbial good luck charm. [Western Folklore: Misc.]
red life-granting color; worn by brides and babies. [Asian Color Symbolism: Binder, 78]
seven symbolizes good luck in ancient and modern societies. [World Culture: Jobes, 1421–1422]
seventh son always a lucky or gifted person. [Western Folklore: Leach, 999]
swastika ancient sign of good luck, often in the form of a charm or talisman. [Asiatic Culture: Brewer Dictionary, 1051]
three symbolizes good luck; most holy of all numbers. [World Culture: Jobes, 1563–1566]
Three Princes of Serendip adventures of three Ceylonese princes who continually discover things they are not looking for. [Persian Lit.: Benét, 915]
white on red symbolizes good fortune. [Chinese Art: Jobes, 357]