soulsight®

As a designer, I am always looking for meaning of symbols, and icons. I want to know what do they represent? Why are they significant? What story are they trying to tell?

Just celebrating the Chinese new year this week, and learning that the year of the dragon is a symbol of good luck, prosperity and fortune in 2012. I am fascinated by how different cultures use icons and symbols in different ways to give meaning and support to a way of life.

Those that know me personally, know that I surround myself and seek out good luck symbols for superstitious support in my life. There are many different symbols and icons for good luck around the world. Here are some of my favorites, some may surprise you.

1. A Ladybug - A lady bug is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It gives you patience and mostly lessens your burdens. Don’t kill one, that’s bad luck.

2. An acorn - Am acorn is also brings good fortune. The Vikings associated oak trees with Thor, the god who created thunder and lightning. They believe the acorn was spared by Thor’s wrath. Placing an acorn on your windowsill protect a home from lightning’s wrath.

3. A Turtle - A turtle symbolizes the primal Mother Earth. They symbolize longevity and hope for a long healthy life

4. Elephants - Elephants are a symbol of wisdom, power, loyalty, intelligence, strength and solitude. In my Polish home, an Elephant with it’s trunk facing up facing the door brings good luck to our house.

5. An Axe - An Axe is lucky icon that bring success. Archaelogists have enearthed symbols of axe heads in all parts of the world. Ancient art from the Far East, pre-Columbian America, the Mediterranean, and Africa often depicts a double bladed Axe which indicates power.