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 spiritual gift of inspiration along life's camino
This solid silver scallop shell / concha de vieira, is hand-crafted by specialist silversmiths in Galicia, northern Spain. It is symbolic of the Camino de Santiago:
The 1,000-year-old 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 200,000 people travel the Camino each year from all over the world: 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 like this. Everyone experiences the journey in a different way.
:)- Gift-Wrapped
:)- Sterling silver chain (or cord) included
:)- Optional information card (see photo) (FREE)
:)- Personal message can be included
If you want to wish your friends or loved-ones well and show them how much you care, let us send this beautiful inspirational present on your behalf. It is the ideal gift for any special event / occasion, particularly a Christian event like Christmas or Easter, or for someone starting a new job or a "new life", travelling afar (for example, as a farewell and safekeeping gift) or even for retirement.
Dimensions: Shell measures 28mm in length including the hanging ring, 20mm in width, and comes with a 17.5ins (45cm) black leather cord, fastening with a bolt ring. Alternative option is with 20" sterling silver belcher chain; Please choose when ordering.
But, whatever somebody’s journey - whether on El Camino itself, on holiday, a business trip, a gap year, trekking, etc, many friends and loved-ones like to pass on a special gift to wish the recipient well on their travels - and protection along the way. A great present to say "I'll miss you" and "take care".
Gift this truly special scallop shell necklace to inspire your friends and help them to be strong and fortunate in their life. A lovely 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 vieira concha de Santiago
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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