Many of the Old World Christmas ornaments have special emphasis on good luck.....here's a few.
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Gecko - New for 2010
Geckos are almost universally regarded as a sign of good luck and they are welcomed into homes where they feed on insects. The traditional gecko circle is a symbol of keeping one eye on the past while focusing the other on the future.
Pigs have long been considered by many to bring good luck and prosperity. The German word "dickbauch" means fat stomach, and its is spoken often in December. Tradition says you must eat well on Christmas Eve to avoid being haunted that night and to insure prosperity in the New Year!
More Pigs!
Elephants have long been symbols of strength, fidelity, wisdom, protection and prosperity. In many cultures they are considered sacred animals. When shown with their trunks up, elephants are believed to bring good luck, and even to be the granters of wishes.
The Pretzel: Sixth-century Italian monks gave pretzels to children as rewards for attending church. The pretzel's twists signify arms crossed in prayer. Pretzels are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and spiritual wholeness.
The glass Carrots ornament is truly a decoration that can bring a tear to an old woman's eye. Long ago carrot ornaments were very popular as traditional gifts for brides. They were believed to bring the bride good luck in the kitchen.
Acorns have long been considered good luck symbols. They also represent the rebirth of life, which is where we get the old saying: "From little acorns come mighty oaks."
Mushrooms are associated with nature and the beauty of the forest. Finding a mushroom in the woods is like finding a lucky penny - good fortune is just around the corner! And a double mushroom is twice as lucky. The Lucky Mushrooms ornament symbolizes the hope for good fortune in the coming year.
In many Asian countries, the Chrysanthemum is a good-luck symbol signifying happiness wealth and longevity. It also represents an easy retirement. With beautifully radiating petals, the Chrysanthemum symbolizes the sun.
One Christmas long ago, eager spiders left cobwebs on an old woman''s tree. When the Christ Child came to bless the tree, he turned the webs into silver and gold. Since that time, Christmas trees have been hung with tinsel, and it is considered good luck to have a spider among the decorations on your tree.
The Grasshopper is a creature that thrives in warm weather and reminds us to enjoy the delights of summer. Even though it is portrayed as irresponsible in Aesop's fable "The Grasshopper and the Ant," the Grasshopper is considered to be a symbol of abundance and good luck
Retired
Ladybugs are known to bring good luck. They signal good weather and a good harvest. If a Ladybug lands on your hand, make a wish, and then watch it fly away. Your good fortune will come from that direction.
Legend has it that prosperity will come to any home that finds a bird's nest nestled among the branches of the family's Christmas tree. As a symbol of good luck, this ornament makes a special gift which brings hopes of good fortune and best wishes.
In many countries, the cricket is an auspicious symbol of good luck. If found inside a house, it signifies peace and plenty for those who live there and must not be killed. In folklore, to hear a cricket chirping, means impending rain or good fortune and upcoming financial gain.
Frogs have long denoted good luck in business. Since a frog only travels forward, he is always progressing and as such he represents a prosperous future. So a frog ornament is often given as a gift at graduations, weddings, or to someone beginning a new business venture.
In many cultures, the shell is universally recognized as a positive feminine symbol which represents birth, life, resurrection, love and good luck. In China, the shell is one of the Eight Good Prophetic Symbols and signifies a prosperous journey.
In Ancient Greece and Rome, sea horses were believed to pull the chariots of the sea gods. With this association, they symbolized the power of the water. Superstition held that they also protected against fever. Today, sea horses remain good luck symbols for fishermen.
To grow well, sunflowers need full sun. They grow best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil with a lot of mulch. In commercial planting, seeds are planted 45 cm (1.5 ft) apart and 2.5 cm (1 in) deep. Sunflower "whole seed" (fruit) are sold as a snack food, after roasting in ovens with or without salt added. Sunflowers can be processed into a peanut butter alternative, sunbutter. *Wikipedia
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