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 unique piece of jewellery as a gift of faith, especially for travellers
This sterling silver necklace bears the symbolic scallop shell of the Camino de Santiago and nestling behind it is a little sterling-silver cross. It is hand-crafted by specialist silversmiths in Galicia, northern Spain. 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. Many carry with them a scallop shell or cross.
:)- Gift-Wrapped
:)- Sterling silver chain included
:)- Optional information card about the Way of St James (free)
:)- Personal message can be added
:)- Rapid shippingDimensions: The circular scallop shell charm measures 15mm in diameter and comes on an 18ins sterling silver curb chain. 20ins length also available: Please choose in options box. There is a tiny little sterling-silver plain cross nestling behind the scallop shell.
More about El Camino / Way of St James:
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 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. 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. This necklace is perfect for that purpose. In addition to any value that the charm symbols have in themselves, or the religious faith that they might represent, this necklace can also act as a reminder to be careful when travelling. And this can be a powerful aid to staying safe whilst away from home.
This scallop shell necklace with its tiny cross is the perfect present to wish someone a 'buen camino' and a safe journey . . especially when setting off on a new venture, and a great farewell or goodbye present with spiritual significance. 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