Hello friends!
Today, I want to share with you, one of my favorite little treasures I picked up in China Town. He sits upon my kitchen window sill and greets me with that fat cat smiling chubbsy face every time I make coffee or wash dishes. Shops in China Town are busting at the seams with these lucky cat figurines, and I just had to take one home with me! I just had 'ta!! Have you ever just been drawn to something....and you just gotta have it?!
Most of us know this little cat as Chinese Lucky Cat. Well, I did a little research... cause that's what I do!! Inquiring minds want to know! LOL! If you are an inquiring mind, read on!
Chinese Lucky Cat is not actually Chinese in origin...it is actually Japanese. However, with it's popularity in the Chinese culture, is has been mistaken to be Chinese. It has long been believed to bring good luck and fortune to it's owner. Maneki-neko, typically a calico Japanese bobtail, are often found displayed in the entryway to Chinese restaurants and shops. Many Japanese lucky cats only have one paw raised, either left or right. Typically, a raised right paw signifies good luck and wealth, while a raised left paw, is use for luck to bring in customers. Both raised paws means protection for home and business. Many Maneki-neko figurines have battery or solar powered waving arms which, to me, are quite adorable!
Translated, it's name, Maneki-neko, means "beckoning cat." The figurine is also commonly known as, Welcoming Cat, Money Cat, Fortune Cat and Lucky Cat. Most Americans see the cat as waving, but the difference between Asian and Western body language and gestures is quite different. When we, as Americans, raise our hand, palm out, it means we are waving, either saying hello or good bye. In Asian culture, a raised hand, palm out, bending the fingers and opening them again repeatedly, is actually a beckoning signal, meaning, to come, or follow.
The figurines are usually ceramic and come in many different colors and styles...some a little more decorative than others. The cats traditionally don a collar with a bell, accompanied by an ornate decoration on their belly. Most figurines have the cat holding a gold coin as well, signifying fortune.
Whatever the reason for the raised paws....I just like the little guy for his charm...his fat belly, his great big smile and his cute little bell. Being as luck and Christianity don't really go together, I don't place any credence in the luck it represents.....I just plain ole like him!! There is a huge variety of adorable Japanese Lucky Cats on the market and I have a feeling I will definitely buy another. I'll be on the look out now. P.S. Can anyone interpret these symbols?
Hello friends! I am writing this post to you a few days before we depart for our family vacation to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. We are all, soooo very excited!! Most everything is packed and ready to be strategically tucked and squished, into our van. We're camping for 7 nights on the Cape, so we've got a lot to tote along with us on our 12 hour drive north. 4 bicycles, an 8 man tent, 2 tarps, 2 queen sized air mattresses, 1 big cooler, picnic basket, dry goods food, clothes, beach towels, bath towels, fishing rods, tackle box, medicine cabinet, camp stove, utensils for cooking on the camp stove and utensils for cooking over the fire, cast iron Dutch oven, cast iron fry pan, griddle....and that's basically it in a nut shell as well as a bunch of other misc. things that go along with camping. I've been planning meals for the Dutch Oven...looking for one pot meals such as chili mac and chicken stew covered with biscuits. I can't wait to make eggs, bacon, sausage and coffee on those chilly mornings. Yes, it will be chilly in the morning and at night as it is only early June. However, I have checked the 10 day forecast and the first four days we are there, it is supposed to be 73 degrees and sunny! We won't do any real swimming in the ocean, but we will do plenty of exploring of tide pools and digging for clams in the bay when the tide goes out. We are packing bathing suits....we just might be brave enough if we get a really warm day. The water temp is 63 degrees right now. Honestly, we are not deterred by the weather. There is so much to see and explore on Cape Cod and I prefer it to be not too hot. We are planning on going for a cruise on a sail boat...that will be a beautiful little day trip! We are also planning on taking a ferry over to Martha's Vineyard for the day....we plan to visit a few lighthouses there. Well, I must get back to laundry and packing...I just wanted to check in and let you all know about our little vacation. Of course I will post pictures when we get back!
