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 charming piece of jewellery with meaning along life's camino
These lovely sterling-silver earrings would make a really special gift: Comprised of scallop shells, and real citrine and pearl gemstones, this really is a piece of jewellery with meaning.
The shell shape is symbolic of El Camino de Santiago (the 1,000-year-old journey along the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela, in northern Spain). And Citrine is know as the “joy and success stone" because it is said to impart light-heartedness and happiness to the wearer, and inspire creativity. Pearls are symbolic of dignity, along with love and success.
:)- Gift-Wrapped
:)- Optional information card about Santiago and El Camino (free)
:)- Personal message can be added
:)- Rapid shipping
Wish your friends well by sending them these lovely earrings: They would make an ideal gift for many special events or occasions - like a wedding or engagement, for example, with someone setting off on a new adventure; Or perhaps as a little Christening present: Or as a gift of encouragement for someone starting something new - like a new job or going to University.
Dimensions: The earrings measure approx 56mm in length including the sterling silver wires. They consist of real citrine and pearl gemstones, silver-coated washers and sterling silver scallop shells and ear-wires.
More info about El 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. At least 200,000 people travel to the city 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 lives in a supportive environment. Many carry with them a Scallop Shell. Everyone experiences the journey in a different way.
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 safekeeping along the way. You can remind them that you are thinking of them and wish them good luck, with this special “Camino” gift.
Gift these delightful scallop, citrine and pearl earrings to inspire your friends . . whatever their journey. They come 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