Stroll through any bustling street in Japan, and you’re likely to catch a glimpse of a charming, paw-raising cat perched at the entrance of a shop or restaurant. This feline friend, known as the Maneki Neko or “Beckoning Cat” in English, is more than just a cute decoration. It’s a talisman believed to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner. Let’s dive into the origins, symbolism, and variations of this beloved Japanese icon.
The Legendary History of the Maneki Neko
The origins of the Maneki Neko are shrouded in a mix of legend and history. One of the most popular tales dates back to the Edo period, around the 17th century. The story goes that a monk and his cat lived in a small, impoverished temple in Tokyo, then known as Edo. One day, a samurai lord sought shelter from a harsh storm under a tree near the temple. As he looked towards the main building, he saw a cat raising its paw, seemingly beckoning him to come inside. Curious, the lord stood up and walked towards the cat, just as lightning struck the tree he had been standing under. Grateful for the cat’s gesture, the lord became a benefactor of the temple, bringing it great wealth and prosperity. Thus, the beckoning cat quickly became a symbol of good fortune.
Another folk tale follows the story of an Oiran, or courtesan, named Usugumo in Yoshiwara during the Genroku era of the Edo period. Usugumo worked in a local Miuraya and was known for always carrying a cat with her. Because of this habit, people began to believe that she was possessed by a demonic cat. The owner of the Miuraya, buying into the rumor, cut the cat’s head and killed it. Later the cat’s severed head is said to have bitten a giant snake lurking in the toilet, thus saving Usugumo’s life. A regular customer gave Usugumo, who was grieving over the loss of her pet, a wooden carving in the shape of a cat, which was imitated and sold in Asakusa, giving rise to the modern-day Maneki Neko.
Gold Maneki-Neko on a table – Photo Credit: Vera Aksionava
Symbolism and Meanings: More Than Just a Cute Face
Maneki Neko comes in an astonishing array of styles and designs. Traditional figures are made of ceramic or plastic, but you can also find them in materials like wood, metal, and even jade. Some are simple and understated, while others are adorned with elaborate decorations. There are also seasonal and regional variations. For example, during the New Year, you might see Maneki Neko often adorned with additional lucky symbols like daruma dolls or kadomatsu (traditional New Year’s decorations).
These special editions are popular as gifts or decorations for the holiday season. In spring, some figures feature cherry blossom motifs, reflecting Japan’s most beloved seasonal event. During summer festivals, you might find Maneki Neko wearing yukata (light summer kimono) or holding festival items like fans or lanterns. There are also regional variations that reflect Japan’s diverse regional cultures and traditions. While the core symbolism remains consistent, these local touches add depth and variety to the beloved maneki neko figurines.
Different kinds of maneki neko figurines – Photo Credit: Natcha S
Maneki Neko’s raised paw is not just a beckoning wave, it also holds specific meanings depending on which paw is lifted. If the right paw is raised, it is believed to invite money and prosperity. The left paw, on the other hand, is said to attract customers and friends. Some modern interpretations even have both paws raised, doubling the luck.
The color of the Maneki Neko also carries significance. The Calico (tricolor) version, the traditional and most popular color, is said to symbolize good luck. White represents purity and happiness. Gold attracts wealth and prosperity for its owners. Black is used to ward off evil spirits. Red often offers protection from illness. Pink represents romance and love. And finally, Green is sometimes associated with safety and protection, particularly for those who travel frequently or are concerned about their well-being.
In addition to this, you might notice a Maneki Neko holding various objects. A koban coin is the most iconic item associated with the maneki neko. This coin, historically representing large sums of money, is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity increasing its effect in this area. A mallet, called Uchide no Kozuchi, represents good fortune and success in business. It is also believed to signify the wishes for prosperity and abundance. Holding a fish symbolizes abundance and good fortune, as fish are commonly associated with prosperity and are often linked to the idea of overflowing wealth. The Maneki Neko is also sometimes seen depicted with a sake barrel which is associated with celebrations and good fortune. A drum is held by maneki neko who is meant to symbolize a booming business and an overflow of customers. Some maneki neko even wear a bib similar to the protective garment worn by Jizo statues in temples, these bibs symbolize protection and care often invoking blessings for safety and well-being.
A Setagaya Line tram with maneki-neko cat livery at Sangen-jaya Station – Photo Credit: Ned Snowman
Fun Facts: Trivia to Amaze Your Friends
Maneki Neko has gained widespread popularity around the world, transcending its origins in Japanese culture to become a beloved symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Its influences extend into pop culture, appearing in movies, television shows, and video games. For instance, the character Meowth in Pokémon is inspired by this lucky charm. Unlike traditional Maneki-neko who hold the Koban coin, Meowth has the coin protruding from its forehead. Meowth can fire this coin as a projectile weapon with its signature move Payday. Titles such as “Animal Crossing” and “Okami” also incorporate Maneki Neko, allowing players to engage with the symbol in interactive ways. The cuteness and charm of the Maneki Neko have led to its commercialization, with various designs and colors available, making it an attractive gift item and a popular choice for home decor. Since the figure is known for its good luck properties it is widely marketed as a luck charm even outside of Japan, appealing to both those who believe in its powers and those who simply appreciate its aesthetic.
Gotoku-ji Temple. Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple is located in Setagaya Ward – Photo Credit: Manuel Ascanio
Maneki Neko Shrines: Sacred Sites of Fortune
Maneki Neko figurines are not typically worshipped or considered sacred in the religious sense, but they are highly valued as symbols of good fortune in Japanese culture. One of the most famous places to pay homage to the Maneki Neko is the Gōtokuji Temple in Tokyo, which is also known as the Cat Temple. This temple is considered one of the birthplaces of the Maneki Neko legend. Visitors to Gotokuji will find hundreds, if not thousands, of Maneki Neko figurines of all sizes and colors, left as offerings by those seeking good fortune. There are also stalls selling a variety of cats to choose from to make a wish.
Another notable shrine is the Imado Shrine which is also considered another birthplace of this legend, in fact, there is even a sign at the shrine declaring it as the “birthplace of the maneki neko”. Also located in Tokyo, this shrine is known for its association with love and matchmaking. It enshrines deities associated with love and marriage, while also celebrating the Maneki Neko.
View of the Imado Jinja – Photo Credit: Christian Ouellet
Bringing Home a Maneki Neko: Tips for Good Fortune
Bringing home a maneki neko can be a delightful way to invite good fortune and prosperity into your life, here are a few tips to maximize your luck. The placement is vital, the ideal place to display a maneki neko is at the front entrance of your home or shop. This position allows it to welcome good fortune and visitors as they enter, some say that it should face the door placing it on a shelf or table that is higher than the average person’s height to maximize its inviting gesture and ability to attract luck. Do not place the maneki neko in closets or out-of-the-way arrears where it won’t be seen or interacted with, as it thrives in busy locations where people come and go. Maintaining your maneki neko by cleaning it maintains its positive energy and treating yours like a pet, even petting it from time to time also enhances its luck-bringing qualities.
Multi-color Maneki-Neko “beckoning cat” statues – Photo Credit: Erica Kogiso
I hope you learned that the Maneki Neko is more than just a decorative item, its widespread popularity can be attributed to its rich cultural heritage, adaptability across different societies, and its charming representation of good luck. This beckoning cat continues to charm its way into hearts and homes around the world. Whether you’re a believer or someone just seeking a bit of extra luck in life, the Maneki Neko stands ready, paw raised, to welcome prosperity your way. So next time you see this cheerful feline, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating blend of history, culture, and folklore it represents. Who knows? It might just bring a little extra fortune your way.
Featured Photo Credit: Anthony Shaw Photography
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