Maneki Neko (招き猫)
The Japanese expression “Maneki Neko” can be translated as the Calling Cat or the Lucky Cat. Lucky cat figurines are typical Japanese objects that are very common throughout the country. The cat’s raised paw is intended to be an invitation to come in. According to popular belief, if a cat passes its paw over its ear, it will rain shortly after. This will cause more customers to enter a shop, bringing great luck to the owner. This is why in Japan we usually find lucky Maneki Neko in shop windows. There are many legends related to cats in Japan and the origin of Maneki Neko. Cats were introduced to Japan from China in the 6th century: they protected boats, agricultural plantations and silkworms from mice. One of the most famous legends regarding Maneki Neko is that of the Gotokuji Temple in the Setagaya district of Tokyo. The legend, set at the end of the Edo Period (1600-1800), tells of a monk and his cat fallen into poverty, but so close to each other that the monk categorically refused to part with his four-legged friend. One stormy night a rich feudal lord found shelter under a large tree near the monk's modest home. Thanks to the light coming from the house, he managed to notice the cat who, at the entrance, raised its paw, inviting him to come in. The man approached the house: at that moment the tree under which he had sheltered from the rain, was struck by lightning. The rich lord, in gratitude, donated part of his assets to the monk. Thanks to this sum, the Gotokuji Temple was built. Maneki Neko are typical Japanese ceramic statuettes and can be depicted with the right paw raised, which brings good luck in business and calls money. The left paw raised instead favors good luck in relationships and calls people. They can also be of different colors: white cats ensure happiness, black cats keep away negativity and finally golden cats attract money. The classic original Auspicious Maneki Neko is the calico cat (the tricolor polka-dotted cat). Its meaning of powerful lucky charm comes from the fact that in nature it is usually female so when it is born male it is a rarity.
