Lucky objects? Placing a few in your house can be uplifting

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Published Date 3/5/2024

As the new year quickly deepens into spring months, hopes for sunny weather, good luck, and happy vibes are in the air. How can we bring those vibes into our homes to remind us that despite all that is going on in the world, there is always a reason to smile?

“Fill it with known good-luck charms,” says Realtor.com’s Larissa Runkle, who asked some designers about their favorite objects that radiate positive energy and make for amazing home decor. She lists everything from musical instruments to ancient relics to modern statues from around the world, having tracked down a wide selection of “luck bait.”

The first is the singing bowl — believed not only to be an excellent tool for mindfulness; it’s also believed to bring good luck and help improve the vitality in your dwelling. “A traditional Tibetan singing bowl is a symbol of peace, good feelings, and good luck,” says designer Kathy Kuo. “I love that a singing bowl is easy to place just about anywhere and easy to incorporate into a styled vignette. Plus, the sound always helps change the energy in a space.”

How ‘bout that lucky horseshoe? While horseshoes have long been considered a good-luck charm, believe it or not, the practice of displaying them has very little to do with actual horses.

“Horseshoes took hold amid beliefs that their arch shapes entrap luck,” explains designer Houna Bech. “Above doors is a popular placement, as they are thought to catch fortune flowing in and out.”

Runkle says to always hang the horseshoe with the open end up to catch any fortune floating by.

Elephants depict both strength and wisdom throughout the Far East and are as varied as the cultures in which they originate. What is consistent across the many belief systems surrounding these gentle giants is that having a statue of one is a vibrant, uplifting choice.

“Elephant statues showcase Hindu and Thai beliefs in their strength and wisdom,” says Bech. “In living spaces, their steady forms project a sense of grounded stability and protection.”

The trunk position is important here. If the trunk points up, then it symbolizes that the animal has achieved enlightenment and has become wise. If it points down, then it means that they are not yet enlightened and are still learning.

Some houseplants are symbols of good fortune — like bamboo and money trees. “Plants like bamboo symbolize growth in many Asian cultures,” says Bech. “Money trees reflect similar values of abundance. In lively homes where these plants thrive, their sunny dispositions seem to permeate.”

While it has been used in a few scary movies about ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle is actually a source of good fortune.

“In Egyptian symbols, scarab beetles are a popular protective amulet,” says designer Joy Aumann. “They represent concepts of renewal, eternal life cycles, and transformation. My clients report feeling more secure and energized with these symbols present.”

The Hamsa (a statue or object that depicts an open hand with an eye in the center) has been around for a very long time. “The Hamsa hand is definitely one of my go-to, good-luck symbols,” says Bech. “With its origins in North Africa and the Middle East, it has a great history as a protective amulet.” The eye is said to stand for a watchful presence, while the five fingers stand for the five books of Moses.

“Hanging one is thought to attract blessings and keep negative mojo at bay,” says Bech. “In the home, I often suggest displaying hamsas near entrances, but you can put them anywhere extra protection could be useful. Even if you’re not hugely spiritual, it makes for a thoughtful piece.”

And lastly, think about how all your favorite Thai food restaurants seem to display a cat waving its paw. Also known as Maneki Neko, this waving cat adorns the entrance of a business—and with good reason. “As legend has it, the beckoning cat statue attracts wealth and customers,” says Bech. “Its cheerful presence also injects an optimistic spirit. Placement in the entrance is tradition for homes, but anywhere will do!”

Do you have an ethnic provenance or possess objects handed down from generation to generation? Consider using something from your hyphenated culture. Greeks and Middle Eastern-origin families often hang an evil eye to ward off bad spirits. The Irish love their shamrocks. Italians have been wearing and hanging the cornicello (or “corn”) for centuries. Russians say that if a ladybug has sat on your hand and you make a wish before it flies away, your wish will come true. But ladybugs are also a favorite insect around the world, depicting good luck, prosperity, and safety.

In today’s world, whether you believe in luck or not, it doesn’t hurt to have an object or two in your home that might help the odds tip in your favor.

Realtor, TBWS

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