Good Luck Charm - Gouri
Some believe that the Greek word ‘gouri’ comes from the Latin word ‘augurium” (of the verb ‘auguro’ meaning to increase), which means omen, others would argue that it comes from the Turkish word uğur meaning ‘luck’.
Whatever the truth and no matter how old the word is, our preoccupation with lucky charms is more prevalent towards the end of each year. Our ancestors believed that lucky charms helped to ward off the bad luck and evil spirits of Christmas (see goblins), as well as to bring luck for the upcoming new year.
What objects represent a lucky charm?
The Pomegranate
The symbol of fertility, abundance and luck.
The Onion
The symbol of long life and renewal of the human body, since instead of withering when cut, it instead produces new leaves.
Garlic
Wards off the evil eye.
‘Flouri’ – Lucky Coin
The silver or gold colour of these coins wards off jinxes.
The Turtle
The animal which symbolizes long life.
The Horseshoe
Due to its crescent-moon shape it gathers good luck and the metal body prevents sorcery and casts out evil spirits.
The Four-Leaf Clover
Eve brought the four-leaf clover with her when she left Paradise. It is the symbol of absolute luck and financial power.
Bonus 1 Goddess !
The Goddess of Fortune, Coincidence and Unexpected Good (and, unfortunately Bad), who from time-to-time we curse, rue and other times love. Certainly though, we prefer for her to be on our side.
There are many proverbs and references to Her.
We keep one reference to luck, that Luck helps the Brave, Thucydides.
Happy New Year to us all, with health, love and luck!