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 delightful gift of faith
This precious sterling-silver cross is the Cross of St James (Cruz de Santiago) - handcrafted by silversmiths in 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 St James's Cross - believed to help promote faith and good fortune.
:)- Gift-Wrapped
:)- Sterling silver chain included
:)- Optional information card about the Way of St James (free)
:)- Personal message can be added
:)- Rapid shippingWish your friends or loved-ones well by sending this meaningful present . . a gift with meaning, a gift with soul. It would be ideal for a Christian event such as Christmas, a Christening, a first Communion or a Baptism; it shows someone that you really care about their welfare.
Dimensions: The handcrafted silver Santiago cross measures 35mm in length including the hanging bail, by 16mm wide. It comes with an 18ins sterling silver curb chain. (20ins also available). Please choose in options box.
In Xacobeo 2010 - a Holy Year (Año Santo) in Spain because the Feast of St James (on 25th July) fell on a Sunday, over 272,000 pilgrims completed the final 100 km walk to Santiago and qualified for the 'Compostela' or certificate. The Way of St. James criss-crosses Western Europe, arriving at Santiago through Northern Spain. It is generally regarded as a journey of the body, mind and spirit. Modern pilgrims 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 a St. James Cross (believed to promote strength and hope) to inspire your friends and loved-ones and help them to be resolute and fortunate in their lives. Would make a special Christmas present or Easter gift. Comes gift-wrapped, like all our presents - and we can print a personal message on your behalf.
#######################
######################
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