Top 8 Chinese Lucky Charms for Gambling
Gambling has been an important part of Chinese culture for centuries. Various games such as mahjong, dice, and horse racing have been popular pastimes for the Chinese people.
Along with the games, Chinese gamblers also use lucky charms to increase their chances of winning. Popular gambling lucky charms in both Western and Eastern cultures create a sense of trust in a higher power, which may help the gambler gain divine support and create opportunities.
If you’re interested in Eastern traditions or curious about Chinese good luck symbols for gambling, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 most popular Chinese lucky charms for gambling in the hopes that they will bring you good fortune.
Three-legged Toad
The three-legged toad, also known as the “Money Toad” or “Chan Chu” in Chinese culture, is a famous lucky charm for prosperity, wealth, and good fortune to its owner. Due to its significance, it is often depicted in various forms of art, decorations, and Feng Shui practices. Typically, it is portrayed while sitting on a pile of coins, holding a coin in its mouth.
In Chinese folklore, the three-legged toad is believed to have once been a mortal man who attained immortality and was transformed into a toad. The toad’s three legs represent the three realms of existence in Chinese mythology: Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. According to the legend, the three-legged toad is said to appear near homes or businesses that are about to experience good luck or financial windfalls during a full moon.
Additionally, some people believe that rubbing the toad’s back or placing coins in its mouth can enhance its ability to bring wealth.
Red Envelopes
In Western cultures, the color red is often associated with passion; however, in Chinese culture, red is considered auspicious and associated with life-generating energy, such as the sun, blood, and fire. This color is often used in Feng Shui practices to attract positive energy (known as Qi) and promote luck, wealth, and happiness. Red is also deemed the color of celebrations and prosperity in Chinese culture.
Red envelopes, also known as Hongbao, are traditional Chinese gifts given during special occasions like weddings and Chinese New Year. They are also used as lucky charms for gambling. The envelopes are filled with money and given to the recipient as a sign of good luck. Chinese gamblers often carry a red envelope with them or place it on the table as a lucky charm.
Jade
Jade is a valuable gemstone that has been highly regarded for centuries and holds great significance in Chinese culture. Its beauty, durability, and symbolic meanings have made it a popular choice for art, jewelry, and ceremonial objects. Jade is associated with purity and moral integrity and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and spiritual practices for its purported protective and healing properties.
It is believed that jade has the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. When gambling, Chinese gamblers will often wear a jade pendant or carry a jade charm with them to increase their chances of winning.
Dragon
The dragon is a symbol highly revered in Chinese culture, mythology, and folklore.
Dragons are commonly depicted in Chinese art, architecture, and celebrations such as the Chinese New Year. They are also seen as guardians and protectors, often depicted alongside other mythical creatures like phoenixes or lions.
In Chinese mythology, dragons are associated with the emperor, representing imperial power and authority. They are also believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and protection. Chinese gamblers will often carry a small dragon figurine with them or wear clothing with a dragon design when gambling.
Feng Shui Coins
Feng Shui coins are Chinese coins with a square hole in the center made from metal alloys such as brass, copper, or bronze.
These coins are often used in Feng Shui practices to attract wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. They are associated with the principles of Yin and Yang, with the circular shape symbolizing heaven and the square hole representing earth.
When gambling, Chinese gamblers will often carry Feng Shui coins with them or place them on the table as a lucky charm.
Goldfish
The goldfish holds special significance in Chinese culture as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
The first character of the word for goldfish (jin 金) means “gold,” and the second character (yu) sounds like the word for “jade” (yu 玉). This association with precious materials makes the goldfish a popular symbol for those seeking financial success.
Additionally, the word for “abundance” or “surplus” (yu 余) has the same pronunciation as the second character in the word for goldfish (yu), leading to the belief that goldfish also bring abundant wealth.
Chinese gamblers often keep a goldfish in their homes or carry a small goldfish charm as a lucky charm when engaged in gambling.
Laughing Buddha
The Laughing Buddha, also known as Budai or Pu-tai, is a popular figure in Chinese culture and is also revered in other East Asian countries such as Japan.
Budai is often portrayed as a stout, bald man with a large protruding belly. He wears a robe and carries a cloth sack, which is believed to hold gifts and blessings for those who have a pure heart. He is usually depicted with a happy expression, often laughing or smiling.
Contrary to popular belief, Budai is not considered the same figure as the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) but is instead a folkloric figure in Chinese Buddhism.
In Chinese culture, statues or figurines of Budai are commonly found in homes, businesses, and temples as a symbol of good luck, abundance, and happiness. Additionally, rubbing Budai’s belly is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Thus, Chinese gamblers often keep a statue or figurine of the Laughing Buddha nearby as a lucky charm.
Lucky Number 8
In Chinese culture, the number 8 is considered a lucky number because it sounds similar to the word for “prosperity” or “wealth.” As a result, people associate the number 8 with good fortune, success, and prosperity in various aspects of life, including personal endeavors, relationships, and business.
You may often find the number 8 being used in significant events such as weddings and even in business transactions, where people try to include the number in their addresses for good luck. In fact, some Chinese people are willing to pay large sums of money for a license plate or phone number that contains the number 8.
In gambling, Chinese players often consider the number 8 or multiples of 8 as their lucky number or bet amount.
Try Your Luck at Capitol Casino
Chinese lucky charms have been used for centuries to increase the chances of winning when gambling. These lucky charms are believed to bring good luck and fortune to the gambler. So, why not consider carrying one on your next gambling adventure?
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May Lady Luck be on your side!