Also called a "lucky cat", the Maneki Neko is a cat figurine traditionally crafted from ceramic. They are frequently seen at the entrance of restaurants and shops, but also in Japanese homes where it serves as a welcoming decorative charm.
Where does Maneki Neko come from?
There are many legends about Maneki Neko, but one thing is certain: it originated in Japan. One of the most famous stories is about a cat named Tama from Gotoku-Ji Temple in Tokyo. According to the legend, during the 17th century, a monk lived at the temple in great poverty. Despite having barely enough food for himself, he would always share what little he had with a cat he had befriended.
One day, the monk asked the cat to bring him good fortune. Shortly afterward, the temple was visited by a group of samurai, including the local lord. After serving them tea, the visitors explained that they had been caught in a violent storm and had taken shelter beneath a tree near the temple. It was then that they noticed a cat beckoning to them from the temple entrance. Intrigued, they approached the animal, when suddenly lightning struck the very tree under which they had just been sheltering. Convinced that the cat had saved their lives, the lord saw the event as a sign from Buddha and decided to offer the monk land surrounding the temple. Thanks to this, the temple gradually grew into the size and importance it is known for today. A few years later, the cat passed away, and an altar was erected at the place where it was buried. It was then venerated under the name Shobyo Kannon, the deity of mercy.
Today, the Maneki Neko at Gotoku-ji Temple are distinguished by a collar and a painted bell, which represent the monk’s love for his cat. Unlike other Maneki Neko, the monk’s cat doesn’t hold a coin, as it is believed to offer only the opportunity for success — it is up to us to seize it!
Which Maneki Neko Should You Choose?
The characteristics of a Maneki Neko are very important, as they influence the benefits it brings. These benefits vary depending on which paw is raised, the color of the figurine, and its size.
If the raised paw is the right one, the Maneki Neko is believed to attract wealth. If the left paw is raised, it symbolizes invitation and hospitality. The height of the raised paw also changes its meaning: the higher the paw, the greater the good fortune it is said to bring. Originally, Maneki Neko figurines with both paws raised did not exist. This version appeared later, alongside the modernization of this famous Japanese lucky charm.
As for the colors of Maneki Neko figurines, the most common is the tricolor version. In cats, this coat pattern is almost exclusively found in females and is very rare in males, with a probability of about 1 in 100. This rarity is one of the reasons why the tricolor cat became associated with good fortune. The three other most common colors are black, red, and white.
Black symbolizes luck and also serves as a protective charm against evil spirits. In Japanese culture, black is believed to possess magical powers that ward off danger. Red is thought to protect against illness, as this color was traditionally considered hated by the gods of measles and smallpox in Japan. White, meanwhile, is associated with good fortune and happiness. There are also several less common colors, including yellow, gold, pink, blue, and green. Yellow and gold are said to attract prosperity and wealth, pink enhances luck in love, blue promotes success in studies and academics, and green brings safety at home as well as protection during travel.
There is surely a Maneki Neko made just for you, ready to keep you company while bringing you luck and happiness!
