Feng Shui Maneki-neko
The beckoning cat, a common symbol of good fortune. A cat who raises their left paw brings business, while the right paw brings money to a home.
Maneki-neko kagami mochi
Though the exact location of origin is up for debate, most are in agreement that the maneki-neko debuted in the late Edo period.
You can find maneki-neko with all kinds of adornments and accessories, each with different meanings. Collars and bells are the most typical, mimicking real life cats gifted with such to keep track of them, followed by bibs speculated to be related to the ones worn by Buddhist jizo statues.
While all neko bring wealth with them, especially the ones holding gold coins known as koban, there are other objects they can hold that will aid you in life :
- Carp are symbols of fortune and abundance – teach a cat to fish and they’ll feed you for life.
- Money bags also bring luck with their wealth.
- Hollow gourds known as hyotan are believed to bring good luck while warding off evil luck. These were containers of sake often used by Fukurokuju, the god of wisdom and longevity.
- Neko holding marbles or gemstones also hold wisdom.
- Any neko playing drums or holding fan bring luck to businesses. Drums being a symbol of a shop overflowing with customers.
