The Cat's Meow Rescue
Stay in touch!
  • Home
  • Available for Adoption
  • ADOPTED!
  • Special Needs Cats
  • Blog: Feline Friends
  • Contact
  • More Information
    • FAQ
    • Barn Cats
    • Finding your kitty a new home
    • Caring for Abandoned Kittens
    • Important to Spay & Neuter
    • Introducing a new cat to your home
    • Declawing - If you care, be AWARE
    • Litter Box Issues
    • What is Feline Leukemia?
    • What is FIV?
    • Kitty-Proof Your Home
    • Help Us Help Them
    • Become a Foster
    • LINKS
    • Media Kit
    • EVENTS
    • Special-Needs Posters Story

The Mystique of the Maneki Neko Cat

10/3/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture
By Nomi Berger

Throughout history, cats have not only been prized, worshiped, and treated as part of the family, but in countries like Japan, they have represented good luck for their owners.

Consider then, the Maneki Neko, a famed feline figurine, rich in background and folklore, that literally means, "beckoning cat." Whether it's called a charm or a talisman, referred to as the "welcoming cat", "money cat", "happy cat", "fortune cat" or "Chinese lucky cat" (due to its popularity among Chinese merchants), it traditionally depicts a Calico Japanese Bobtail cat with an upright paw.

Whereas most scholars agree that the "beckoning cats" first appeared in Japan during the Edo period (17th to mid-19th century), the legends behind them are legion. The most popular one, however, asserts that a colony of cats lived near a monastery, but were never permitted inside. One day, the monks went to gather food, leaving one monk to guard the temple. When he himself came outside, he noticed a small cat sitting across the road. Although he called to the cat, the cat remained seated, raised a paw, and beckoned the monk over instead. At first, the monk hesitated, then ultimately crossed the road. No sooner had he reached the cat than the temple came crashing down. Thanks to that beckoning cat, his life was saved, and from then on, cats weren't simply welcomed into the monastery, but were treasured and considered to be lucky.

Today, ceramic statues of the Maneki Neko cat appear worldwide in various guises and garbs since they're still thought to bring their owners good luck and fortune. Familiar sights in the windows of restaurants, stores, and other businesses, they're used to attract customers and are usually depicted with a coin around their necks to invite prosperity. Other forms of neck decoration are a neckerchief or scarf, but the most common is a collar, bell and decorative bib (likely in imitation of those worn by cats in wealthy households during the Edo period). Thought to bring good health and happiness as well to one's home, large statues of the "beckoning cat" will be placed in the entryway.

As to the significance of the raised paw? If the left paw is raised, it's supposed to attract customers to one's place of business. If the right paw is raised, it's meant to invite good fortune and money. If both paws are raised, it connotes protection. As for colors and color combinations? While the most traditional color combination, calico (white with orange and black spots) is considered the luckiest, other colors have their own significance. White denotes happiness, purity, and positive things to come. Gold represents wealth and prosperity. Black wards off evil spirits. Red signifies success in love and relationships. Green reputedly guarantees good health.

And yet, regardless of legend, raised paw or color, the most dedicated feline fancier will, undoubtedly, choose the purr of a living lap warmer over a representation of one every time.


2 Comments
Derek Von Payersmith
10/3/2016 07:02:43 am

I always find your articles refreshing and informative. Keep up the good work!

Reply
nomi berger
10/3/2016 07:51:45 am

Many thanks for the kind words, Derek. It's my weekly paw-leasure to research and write each article for this very special rescue. Keep reading .... and spread the word .... let's help more meowies find homes.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author
    Blog articles for TCMR are written by Nomi Berger, an established author and journalist of 40 years, living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who graciously volunteers her time and talent to help further our rescue efforts.


    AWARDS

    Picture

    Picture
    Cat Rescue Blogs

    Picture

    Picture
    Animal Rescue Blogs

    Picture
    Awarded by Best1x.com
    Best for Pets

    Picture

    Picture
    2017 Top 35 Cat Blogs awarded by "We're All About the Cats"

    Picture
    Awarded by "Feedspot.com"

    Picture
    Awarded by "10Greatest.com"

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015

    Categories

    All
    Cat Facts
    Cat Safety
    Community Awareness
    Fun Facts
    Health And Behavior
    How You Can Help

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly