Make sure that you sound sincere. If said in the wrong tone, this phrase can be interpreted as sarcasm. So make sure that the person understands your sincerity when you express the sentiment. Some people dislike the phrase because, they feel, it carries a note of negativity. “Good luck” for them implies that you have little to do with your own success. [1] X Research source Use the phrase at your discretion.
“Best of luck” or “hoping for the best” both carry the sentiment and are subtle variations. Crossing one’s fingers is often done to express a wish for luck, so you can also wish good luck by saying, “I’m keeping my fingers crossed. ” Some actors feel that it is bad luck to say “Good luck!” before a performance. For this reason, it is traditionally better in the situation to “break a leg,” which refers to taking a bow at curtain call. While not an exact match, people sometimes borrow the phrase “May the force be with you” from Star Wars to wish people luck with a challenging task. Other English variants include, “Knock them dead!” “You’ll do great,” or “Blow them away!”[3] X Research source
In Spanish, wish someone “¡Buena suerte!” Both “Viel Glück!” and “Alles Gute!” can be used to express well wishes in German, while “Bonne chance!” works in French. In Italian, try “Buona fortuna!” or “In bocca al lupo!” “Jūk néih hóuwahn” (祝你好運) is the Cantonese Chinese way of wishing luck, while “Gokoūn o inorimasu” (ご幸運を祈ります) is the formal way to wish good luck in Japanese. “Ganbatte ne” (頑張ってね) is the informal expression. Wish someone luck in Greek with “kalí tíhi” (Καλή τύχη). “İyi şanslar” or “Bol şans!” work in Turkish. “Saubhāgya” (सौभाग्य) is the Hindi way of wishing good luck. In Arabic, try “Bi’t-tawfiq!”
Four leaf clovers are rarer than their three-leaf cousins and therefore lucky. The first leaf symbolizes “faith,” the second symbolizes “hope,” the third symbolizes “love,” and the fourth symbolizes “luck. ”[5] X Research source Acorns represent good luck, youthfulness, prosperity, and spiritual growth. The Norse once placed acorns on their windowsills to protect a house against lightning. Rainbows are considered lucky for several reasons. Many cultures see them as bridges or paths used by spirits. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, God created the rainbow as a promise to never again destroy the world with a flood. Some people believe that amber – that is, fossilized tree sap, brings good luck, balances emotions, and eliminates fear. [6] X Research source Stars are often used to symbolize luck because many ancient cultures believed that one’s fortunes could be predicted and controlled by stars. Shooting stars are especially lucky. Small bamboo plants known as “lucky bamboo” are often kept for the sake of longevity and strength. Bamboo is fast-growing and resilient, which is why it is a symbol of strength in Chinese culture. [7] X Research source
The rabbit’s foot is a popular choice, for example. Rabbits were considered lucky since they were associated with spring, the season of new life. Since the back feet touch the ground ahead of the front feet, they are considered especially lucky. [8] X Research source Some people think that wishbones from a turkey or chicken grant wishes when broken in two. The person who gets the bigger half is the one who can make a wish – just don’t tell anyone! The wish won’t come true if you share it. Goldfish are symbols of prosperity, wealth, wisdom, power, longevity, and peace. They are also one of the eight symbols of Buddha, and are thus symbolic of fertility and harmony. Dolphins are symbols of luck and protection, as well. This comes from the belief of ancient sailors, who would see dolphins around their ships when they neared land. The “maneki-neko” or “beckoning cat” is a specific cat figure in Japan believed to usher in good fortune and wealth.
For example. horseshoes are sometimes hung inside homes to protect the household and usher in good fortune. Originally these were made by blacksmiths, which was considered a lucky trade. [9] X Research source Coins, for instance, are considered lucky in many cultures. The exact coin you need for luck can vary, however. In the United States it is usually the “lucky penny,” particularly those that you find facing heads up. In Britain, it was the sixpence coin. Three keys kept together symbolize the keys of health, wealth, and love.
For example, dream catchers figure in some Native American spiritual beliefs and are supposed to keep evil from entering dreams while you sleep. The “Laughing Buddha” or Pu-Tai is used in Chinese culture to symbolize happiness, health, abundance, and contentment. [10] X Research source While a cross primarily serves as a symbol of faith for Christians, it served in ancient times as a token of good luck and protection. Some Christians today also use medals, statues, and similar representations of saints to express an earnest desire for protection or guidance in a certain area of life (usually the one under the saint’s patronage). [11] X Research source Remember to be careful about giving a religious symbol. People often feel strongly about faith, and could take offense if given one in the wrong spirit. For example, a Christian might gladly accept a cross with wishes that “God bless you. ” But they might be offended if told that the cross is for “good luck. ”
The Wiccan good luck spell involves oil and a black candle. With a drop of oil on its tip, move your finger up and down the candle while visualizing the person’s fortune and good luck and chanting, “Black candle, turn X’s luck around / Let prosperity and joy abound. ” Another spell can be said before bed. With a candle and pen and paper, write your wish clearly on the paper and then put the paper underneath the candle. Then clear your mind. Light the candle and concentrate on what you want to come true – good luck for your friend – and visualize it.
Long noodles are eaten in various Asian countries to bring a long life, but know that you can’t break the noodles before they reach your mouth. Black-eyed peas are eaten in the southern Unities States, where, traditionally, they are the first food eaten in the New Year for good luck. Cabbage is connected to luck, especially of a monetary nature, since the green resembles paper money. This is especially true in Germany, Ireland, and parts of the United States. [14] X Research source Lentils look similar to coins and are thus eaten for good fortune in parts of Italy. Pomegranates are connected to abundance and fertility in Mediterranean countries, like Turkey. Fish is considered lucky in parts of North America, Asia, and Europe since fish “swim forward” toward new goals. They also swim in large schools, so they represent abundance. [15] X Research source
Personalize the message by expressing your wishes in further detail or by saying “good luck” with another saying or in another language. If words are not enough for you, consider taping a small good luck charm—a penny, a four leaf clover, etc. —to the inside of the card.
The package can include an excess of one symbol or a variety of several. For instance, you could hand someone a jar of shiny pennies to wish him or her luck. Alternatively, you could pack a small box with a lucky bamboo plant, three skeleton rings looped on the same key-ring, a plush dolphin toy, a few star decals, and a few acorns—or any other assortment of symbols. Herbs that go well in these jars include chamomile, clover, dandelion, mistletoe, rose hips, sandalwood, spearmint, anise, and thyme. [16] X Research source If giving small trinkets or herbs does not appeal to you, write out your wishes on slips of paper and tuck them into a jar. You can then give this jar to those needing a bit of extra luck. Instruct them to open it and draw out a slip whenever they need a dose of well wishes. Write different expressions meaning “good luck” on each slip. Similarly, you can write your own specific wish on each slip. Vary these expressions, as well.
One of the easiest, most inexpensive examples is the “Lucky Charms” cereal.
Birthstones are also considered lucky, so giving someone an accessory with his or her birthstone is another way to wish good luck. For someone who doesn’t wear jewelry, you could still give an accessory—like a key chain—with a symbol of luck attached to it.
One avoidant action is to “knock on wood. ” Knock on a nearby piece of wood is meant to avoid “tempting fate” – that is, jinxing an observation about one’s fate or a desired outcome. Throwing salt over one’s left should plays on the association of salt with lies and treachery. It is supposed to “blind” the devil waiting behind you. [19] X Research source Keeping your fingers crossed, as said, is another way that people “avoid” undesired outcomes.
