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Decoding the Rainbow of Lucky Cats: Its Colors, Shapes and Sizes

Ever wondered what the different colors of Maneki-Neko (Lucky Cats) really mean? In the video below, we dive deep into the symbolism behind each color, from gold for wealth to black for protection. Discover how the shape, size, and even the raised paw of these iconic Japanese figurines can attract luck, fortune, love, and success into your life.

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We see Lucky Cats everywhere from restaurants to shops, and even homes. In fact, you might even have one yourself. In our previous article, The Surprising Origins and Meaning of the Lucky Cat, we explored the history of everyone’s favorite feline symbol of good luck and how it became such a global sensation. In this article, we’ll uncover the unique meanings behind the various colors, shapes and sizes of the Lucky Cat and how they are used by Feng Shui practitioners to enhance the energy of a space.

Lucky Cats are Not a Classical Feng Shui Enhancer

The maneki-neko is a popular symbol believed to bring good luck and prosperity according to modern Feng Shui practices in many countries and cultures from around the world. Even though Feng Shui originated in ancient China, the Lucky Cat is believed by most to have originated in Japan. However, some believe that its origins can be traced as far back as the time of the Buddha, in ancient India.

Interestingly enough, the use of the Lucky Cat is not a classical Feng Shui technique, which would prioritize the balance of natural elements in a space over anything else. However, it is still widely used by all because of its charming qualities.

Feng Shui practices are used to cultivate specific energies which people want to manifest in their homes or businesses. It’s important that an individual can resonate with the Feng Shui methods used in their space to ensure optimal effectiveness, which is why so many gravitate to the maneki-neko. It just makes people happy.

Different Designs Carry Different Meanings

The way the Lucky Cat is designed—its color, size, and even the position of its paw—can carry a specific meaning which can be utilized for a specific purpose. Even the placement of your Lucky Cat can enhance its ability to call fortune and prosperity into your life. Whether you’re hoping for wealth, love, or general good fortune, there’s a Lucky Cat for every wish!

Just as different colors of gemstones or flowers are said to have different meanings, the same principle applies in the world of maneki-neko. Aside from the traditional meanings associated with the colors, each color is also assigned to one of the five elements from Feng Shui, namely:

  • fire
  • earth
  • metal
  • water
  • wood

The Meaning of Each Color of Lucky Cat

GOLD: Gold is one of the most popular Lucky Cat colors. It’s universally associated with wealth, prosperity, and abundance, and it is connected with the metal element in Feng Shui. If you want to attract financial luck, a golden maneki-neko is your best bet.

GREEN: Next, we have green, connected to the wood element in Feng Shui. Often linked with learning, the green maneki-neko is believed to help you accomplish your work or educational goals, especially if they require a sharp intellect or creativity. 

PINK: Want to invite love into your life? A pink Lucky Cat could be the best option for you. Pink is a color that embodies affection, romance and harmony. It is connected to the element of fire, symbolizing the fire of passion. The pink Lucky Cat is a popular choice among those who are hoping to attract love or strengthen existing relationships. 

WHITE: A white maneki-neko is a great choice if you’re seeking mental clarity, peace of mind or overall happiness. White is considered the color of purity and simplicity, and it symbolizes protection and cleanliness. White is also connected to the metal element.

BLACK: Looking for protection from bad vibes or ill fortune? Black, while not as commonly found, is actually a powerful color for protection and health. It’s thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energy, making this cat a strong guardian for your home. The color black is connected to the water element in Feng Shui.

RED: Red is another color that’s deeply tied to protection from illness and the promotion of success. The color red symbolizes courage and vitality and it is also connected to the fire element. If you need a boost of energy or are embarking on a challenging new venture, a red Lucky Cat can help guide the way.

BLUE: A blue maneki-neko attracts overall harmony and wellbeing, especially with family. It is also connected to the water element in Feng Shui.

PURPLE: The color purple, another fire color, is often associated with opportunities. Consider a purple Lucky Cat when you’re looking to set your new endeavors up for success. 

The Meaning of Different Paws Raised

Now that we’ve covered what each of the colors mean, what about the paws? We’ll go over the differences so you can determine which is the best option for you.

Need to boost your social circles or attract more people to your business? A Lucky Cat with its left paw raised might be the perfect signal. The left paw is considered the paw which beckons people into a space. This could mean customers to a business or general good fortune to a home.

The right paw is considered the money paw. When the right paw is raised, it is believed to beckon or invite money and wealth.

In some cases, you might see the cat raising both paws—this can symbolize protection, or double the luck. However, either paw can be effective as a Feng Shui activator when the paw is actually moving.

Cats Holding Different Symbols

You’ll often see a Lucky Cat carrying a banner that represents wishes for good fortune. The Lucky Cat could also be holding or sitting on gold coins, which specifically symbolize immense wealth. A gourd symbolizes health and protection from illness. 

The Meaning of Different Sizes of Lucky Cats

Small maneki-neko figures are believed to offer very subtle, but consistent effects. These are the perfect size for attracting gentle blessings and small wins in your daily life. On the other hand, big maneki-neko are thought to attract big success. They are especially effective at drawing in customers, clients and prosperity to a business.

Placing a small Lucky Cat at your work desk can activate a raise in salary, income or stature in your business or company. Likewise, having a small Lucky Cat as a charm in your purse can increase the energy of prosperity inside, encouraging wealth to come in. Placing a large maneki-neko at the entrance of your business will attract attention and invite more customers in, ultimately resulting in more revenue.

Now you should have enough information to decide which Lucky Cat will be the perfect option for you. Or, you may have gained a deeper understanding of the meaning of a Lucky Cat you already have. If you’d like to know more about the historical origins of this symbol, check out our article about The Surprising Origins and Meaning of the Lucky Cat.

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The Surprising Origins and Meaning of the Lucky Cat or Maneki-Neko

In the video below, we uncover the fascinating history and symbolism behind the iconic “Lucky Cat” or Maneki-neko. From its mysterious origins (which may go as far back as the time of the Buddha) to its global popularity as a symbol of good fortune, discover the meaning and cultural significance of this charming figure!

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The iconic Lucky Cat, or Maneki-neko can be seen perched at the entrance ways of shops, restaurants, or even homes. With its raised paw and cheeky smile, it’s more than just a decoration. It is often considered a lucky object by modern Feng Shui practitioners. But what is the real history behind this beloved figure? And how did it come to symbolize good fortune in so many cultures?

Meaning of the Name “Maneki-Neko”

Despite the fact that the Lucky Cat is often seen in Chinese or other Asian restaurants or neighborhoods, the Lucky Cat’s name, Maneki-neko, actually comes from Japan. Even though it is often referred to as the “waving cat”, it’s interesting to learn that the cat isn’t waving at all. In the Japanese language, Maneki-neko literally means “beckoning cat”. The term maneki means “to beckon”, and neko means “cat”. In Japan, the way to beckon someone to come to you is with your palm forward and fingers facing down, which is much different from Western cultures.

Differing Accounts About the Origins of the Lucky Cat

According to one of the oldest accounts, this cat originated as a merchant girl during the time of the Buddha. The girl was so charming to everyone who she encountered, that she sold lots and lots of merchandise for her parent’s business. She loved to sell things more than anything else. One day she went to the Buddha to listen to his words, and fell in love with his teachings, so she gave many gifts and food to the monk followers of the Buddha.

Becoming very pleased with her, the monks decided to bless the girl. They told her that they wish for her to have all the luck, and whatever she wants to sell, she will sell it all! Due to the power of the monks’ austerity and truthfulness, whatever they spoke became a reality, and thus their blessings came true. The girl became rich from selling many things.

Originally, the statue of this girl with her hand raised was used to attract good fortune, and this version of the symbol can still be seen today in some places. For example, she is known as “Nang Kwak” in Thailand and other parts of southeast Asia. However, over time her image eventually evolved into that of a cat making the same gesture.

Gotoku-ji Temple Story

According to another popular legend, the origin of the Lucky Cat is traced back to the Edo period, in 17th century Japan. The story goes that a poor temple priest, struggling to make ends meet, owned a cat who would sit by the entrance and wave its paw. One day, a wealthy traveler passing by saw the cat’s gesture and decided to stop for a visit.

Afterward, he donated a large sum of money to the temple. From that day forward, the temple flourished, and the cat became a symbol of good fortune. This is the legend of the Gotoku-ji Temple in Tokyo, which is said to be the birthplace of the Lucky Cat.

Ruler Saved from a Bolt of Lightning

A slight variation to this story, according to temple historians, involved the daimyo or regional ruler, named Li Naotaka. It is said that while he was out hunting, Tama, the temple’s pet cat, beckoned Naotaka into the Go Toku Ji Temple to save him from being struck by a lightning bolt.

Grateful to the cat for saving his life, the ruler made the cat a patron of the temple where it has been venerated in its very own shrine ever since. The temple today is known as the “cat temple”. It has thousands of lucky cats surrounding it, and many people visit to pray for good fortune.

Cats in General as Symbols of Good Fortune

This good fortune symbology was so prominent in Japan that it became linked to the importance of real cats during that time. In 1602, there was a decree to free and release all cats to assist with pest control. There was also a belief that taking care of a real cat would bring good fortune to the caretaker, as well as a belief that killing a cat would result in the haunting of that family for generations.

Different Versions of the Lucky Cat

There isn’t just one version of the Lucky Cat. Over time, different regions of Japan and even different cultures began to give their own twist to the image of the Maneki-neko. For example, did you know that the paw raised by the cat can symbolize different things? In some versions, the cat raises its right paw, which is thought to attract wealth and money. In other versions, the cat raises its left paw, which is said to attract customers or guests. And in some cases, you might see the cat raising both paws—this can symbolize protection or double the luck!

You’ll often find that the Lucky Cat is holding a koban coin, which was the form of currency in Japan during the Edo period. The coin’s inscription, ten million ryo and gold color, further emphasize its connection to wealth. So, the coin paired with the cat is a clear invitation for prosperity.

Popularization Outside of Japan

After World War II, Japan saw a surge in global influence, and with it, the spread of cultural icons. The Maneki-neko caught on particularly in the U.S. and across Asia. In many Chinese communities, the Lucky Cat is seen as a signal of prosperity, and it even became a part of other cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year.

With various shapes, sizes and colors, the modern Lucky Cat has become a part of fashion trends, home decor, pop culture and spirituality. Today, Lucky Cats can be found all over the world. Whether you find one in a Chinatown shop in New York, in a restaurant in London, or in a home in Paris, the Lucky Cat is a universal symbol of positivity, good fortune, and sometimes just a little bit of fun.