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 traveller's companion for strength . . and protection
Our Red Jasper scallop shell necklace makes an ideal present for someone about to embark on a journey, or undertake a new venture. Red Jasper is a protective gemstone and believed to promote courage and physical stamina. The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago. The 1,000-year-old pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is known as the Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago - in Spanish). Some 200,000 pilgrims travel to the city each year from all over the world to find inspiration and/or deeper spiritual understanding.
:)- Gift-Wrapped
:)- Sterling-silver chain included
:)- Option for free information card
:)- Personal message can be added
:)- Rapid shippingIf you want to wish friends or colleagues well and show them how much you care, let us send this lovely inspirational present on your behalf. It is the ideal gift for a traveller, perhaps someone going on a gap year, or even starting a new job or new life.
Dimensions: Shell measures 30mm in length including the hanging ring, 20mm in width, and comes with a 20" sterling silver belcher chain.
More info about El Camino journey:
The Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago - in Spanish), criss-crosses Western Europe, arriving at Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain on the Atlantic coast: Some people walk, others travel by bike. Many travellers choose to do the Camino for personal, rather than any spiritual or religious reasons - taking time out from their busy/modern lives and perhaps finding inspiration along the way, whilst reflecting on their life in a supportive environment. Many carry with them a Scallop Shell symbol like this. Everyone experiences the journey in a different way.
Gift this truly meaningful scallop shell and jasper necklace to inspire your friends and help them to be strong and safeguarded in their life or on their trip. A wonderful Camino gift. Comes gift-wrapped, like all our presents - and we can print a personal message on your behalf.
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More information about Spain's Camino and La Concha scallop shell of St James - La vieira concha de Santiago
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RED JASPER : The Guardian gem stone
Red jasper has been used as a stone of protection for thousands of years. It is also believed to give people the courage to speak out and the bravery to achieve personal independence. Red Jasper is also said to promote physical stamina.
Red Jasper is thought to be especially suitable as a gift for those Travelling on a Journey / Trip; but also for those attending an Interview, or making a trip to the Hospital, or their 1st Day somewhere new because these are all special events that need extra confidence.
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More information about the good luck properties of Red Jasper . .
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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