It is perhaps one of the most popular cats in Japan, but it also has a large following in the rest of the world. Let's get to know it better.
Those familiar with Japan will surely know what we are talking about. Maneki-neko in Japanese means “calling cat,” more commonly known as the “lucky cat.” Its origins are ancient, but there is no certain date, although many believe that it appeared in an ukiyo-e print by the artist Utagawa Hiroshige towards the end of the Edo period (1603-1867).
One of the most popular anecdotes explaining the benefits attributed to this cat involves the military leader Oda Nobunaga and the samurai Ii Naotaka. The two illustrious figures were passing by a cat waving its paw and interpreted this as a call to come closer, so they approached it. In doing so, they strayed from the road they were traveling on and soon realized that they had escaped an ambush.
Since then, cats have been considered wise spirits and bringers of good luck in the Japanese collective imagination. In fact, depictions of cats with a raised paw in the act of greeting are often found in many religious places and private homes.
There are many types of Maneki-neko on the market, varying in size and color, but above all depicted with either the right paw or the left paw raised. The latter is the most important difference, as it concerns two different types of auspices. With the left paw raised, the cat invites customers or people, which is great for shops and restaurants, while if it raises the right paw, the cat attracts money and luck.
Depending on the color, each cat represents a specific type of good luck. White cats, the most common, bring good luck in general. Red cats bring good health, black cats bring safety to the owner's family, golden cats bring success in business, and finally, silver cats bring the fulfillment of wishes.
