No civilization, culture, or religion can escape symbols. Talismans and charms happen to be the most optimistic, happy symbols that exist. They are commonly featured in paintings, statues, and jewelry and can even affect how we look at natural phenomena and animals. But will that four-leaf clover really bring you good luck?



Yes and no.

First, let us review some of the popular talismans and charms out there:

Probably one of the most famous lucky charms is the clover. A regular, three-leafed clover symbolizes good health; many people do not realize that the not-so-rare clover has its own power.

The four-leaved clover means you have great, sudden fortune in your near future and the five-leaved clover is a symbol for a happy marriage.

The pentagram is another favorite. The star with five sides is a popular amulet for warding off evil and making wishes come true.

Many Buddhists repel demons with the Dorje, a small brass symbol of a dagger.

Lots of people like to wear antique coins from Roman times in hopes of prosperity and good fortune.

Centuries ago, people wore the bones of black cats to dispel evil. The Rabbit feet supposedly bring good luck to their owners. The two-headed ax is common to almost all ancient cultures and it stands for justice and strong character.

The list goes on and on. Whether or not talismans and charms work, there is no doubt they will be around for a long time and new ones will be invented as time passes. But is there more to this than plain superstition?

The fact of the matter is, talismans and charms can have positive effects on those who wear them, hang them on their walls, and carry them in their pockets. The real question is: why?

1) Logic or luck?

Talisman is sometimes defined as anything that influences a person's feelings or actions. It is not necessarily the rabbit foot that is bringing you good luck; it's your belief in the power of the rabbit foot that encourages you to have a positive outlook on life and make the best of every situation. So what is really an understandable chain of events might be interpreted as good luck thanks to your rabbit's foot.

In this respect, you can pick out any random number or object and deem it lucky and if you believe in its ability to heal or attract good fortune, then you very well may see results. On a similar note, if we feel we are protected by a talisman that scares off evil, we will approach life with more bravery and peace of mind.

2) The value of charms

Symbols and rituals are an important part of human society. Presidents rally their people behind national flags, Christians unite together behind the symbol of the cross, and on the most basic level: we all stop at those red stop signs shaped like octagons. Charms and talismans, in this sense, have very real, recognizable meaning to our lives.

They are what we make of them! The more power you give to your four-leaf clover, the more it will do for you.

3) The bottom line

So, the short answer to whether talismans and charms work is - yes, yes they do. However, they work for reasons we do not expect.

If I were to wear a necklace around my neck that had a pentagram on it, and I did not know anything about what a pentagram resembled and I only bought the jewelry because I thought it was pretty, then I might as well not wear it at all... at least not for good luck. It is my faith that the pentagram will make all my dreams come true that matter, not the pentagram itself.

Charms and talismans all have rich histories and unique, interesting meanings. You may not call yourself a superstitious person, but these good luck symbols tell an important story about how our civilization developed and they always will be here with us.

After all, if a positive symbol puts someone in a good mood and inspires them to achieve their goals, then does it really matter whether or not there are well-wishing spirits and energies at work?