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 simple gift with meaning for a journey or new start
This simple wooden cross is the Tau Cross (Tau Cruz) of St Francis and of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. This cross is symbolic of the Franciscan Order and of St Francis of Assisi, and also a symbol of reincarnation, as well as pilgrimage. It is often thought of as meaning contemplation, acceptance, patience and waiting, as someone moves on in their life or goes on a journey. A charming piece of St Francis jewelry, and jewellery linked to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain (the final destination of the greatest of all pilgrim routes in the Christian world - El Camino, the Way of St James).
:)- Gift-Wrapped
:)- Optional information card about Tau Cross / St Francis (free)
:)- Personal message can be added
:)- Rapid shipping
Wish your friends or loved-ones well by sending this meaningful present. It is the ideal gift for someone who is about to change direction in their life (e.g. new beginnings, new start or new job) or go on some sort of journey, trip or pilgrimage.
Dimensions: The wooden cross measures approx 1.25" (3.4cms) in length, NOT including the hanging ring, and hangs on an orange coloured faux suede cord that has three knots in it representing the Franciscan vows of poverty, loving all and obedience. Necklace length is adjustable with a slider tie. Please choose: Light or Dark wood colour in the Options Box.
Inspire your special friends and help them on their journey in life. A small and simple gift with a lot of meaning. Comes gift-wrapped, like all our presents (with an information card) - 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