The magic of the lucky horseshoe symbol – what is its meaning?
SEE lucky Horseshoes in our online SHOP :
Horseshoes are probably the most commonly recognised good luck charm or talisman in the Western World – millions of people think that they are lucky, and that the horseshoe symbol is a magically protective amulet or talisman. For this reason, they make a popular gift for a friend or relative and for all sorts of events: The happy couple at a wedding for example (or engagement), the bride or groom, best man or usher; or a colleague in retirement from work, someone moving to a new house, the arrival of a new baby (or at a baby shower) or someone entering a competition, a driving test or other exam. Horseshoe charms are commonly found in jewellery worn as earrings, bracelets and pendants on necklaces, and gifted as good luck charms or talismans to hang on the wall of a house. They are thought to possess some sort of magic. But why?
Since earliest times, man has believed that the crescent or U-shape or symbol was a powerful protective talisman. For the Greeks, it symbolised the crescent moon which was regarded as a symbol of fertility, with links to Moon goddesses such as Artemis and Diana. They were also used to ward off the mischievous celtic fairies.
In one story, St. Dunstan, the favourite saint of the English people, nailed a horseshoe to a horse when he was working as a blacksmith. The horse was actually the Devil in disguise and it caused the Devil great pain. Dunstan only agreed to remove the shoe and release the Devil after he promised never to enter a place with a horseshoe.
The combination of luck, protection, religion, and magic are all captivated by the horseshoe symbol and many people believe it will bring them good luck in the lives and to any special events or occasions – and ward off evil and misfortune / bad luck. In the past, superstition dictated that sailors nailed a horseshoe to the mast of their ship to help their vessel avoid bad weather, storms and disaster. And nowadays, gifting a magic lucky horseshoe charm for a wedding is common.
Should a good luck horseshoe be mounted open end up or down?
“Up” to stop luck running out – “Down” to pour luck onto you. It doesn’t matter, it’s the thought and effect of the charm that matters – the belief in the magic. See our Lucky Charms guide for why this is so.
A good luck horseshoe for a wedding? Lucky Horseshoes are ideal gifts on Wedding Days (for the Guests, Ushers, Bridesmaids, etc) and for friends or loved-ones who are in a Competition, which they can carry as a talisman to give them more confidence in these stressful events like an Exam or a Driving Test.
A gift for inspiration and caring - especially for those on a journey or starting something new
This beautiful sterling-silver Camino Finisterre necklace features an open scallop shell. (The scallop shell is symbolic of the Camino de Santiago - and travellers).
The 1,000-year-old pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is known as the Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago - in Spanish). Every year, some 200,000 travellers journey along this Camino, by foot or by bike, from all over the world - often seeking inspiration and/or deeper spiritual understanding: Many carry a scallop shell token or keepsake . . which is why the Scallop Shell has become a symbol for travellers in general - people setting out on a journey or starting something new.
:)- Gift-Wrapped
:)- Sterling silver chain included
:)- Optional information card about the Way of St James (free)
:)- Personal message can be added
:)- Rapid shippingIf you want to wish your friends or colleagues well and show them how much you care about them, let us send this symbolic present on your behalf. It is the ideal gift for any special event / occasion, particularly for someone starting out on a new adventure in life - like a new job, travelling afar or even beginning retirement.
Dimensions: The open scallop shell measures 20mm in length (including the hanging bail) by 12mm in width. The necklace is finished off with a striking sparkly 16" diamond-cut ball chain. 18" and 20"options are also available (choose in Option Box)
More Way of St. James info:
The Way of St. James criss-crosses Western Europe, arriving at Santiago through Northern Spain. Modern travellers choose to do the Camino for personal, spiritual and/or religious reasons - or simply to take time out from their busy, modern lives. For many, the walk is to find inspiration - improving their outlook on life, bringing them into closer contact with nature and expanding their cultural horizons through contact with other pilgrims. Everyone experiences the journey in a different way.
Gift this lovely scallop shell necklace to inspire a good friend or loved-one. A truly meaningful gift. Comes gift-wrapped, like all our presents - and we can print a personal message on your behalf.
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All of these are ALSO available in our CENTRAL (Group) SHOP: For example
- Lucky Horseshoe gift for the Wedding Day
- Lucky Horseshoe gift for a Competition
- Lucky Horseshoe gifts for a Driving Test