Top 11 Luckiest Chinese Symbols

Last Updated on November 24, 2023 by Avia

Chinese culture is rich with symbolism, and the belief in lucky symbols has been deeply ingrained for centuries. Whether you’re looking to attract wealth and love or simply improve your overall luck, understanding these top 11 luckiest Chinese symbols can help you navigate life’s twists and turns.

What Makes a Symbol Lucky in Chinese Philosophy?

In Chinese culture, a symbol becomes lucky based on its association with positive attributes or beliefs. The concept of luck is deeply rooted in the idea of harmony and balance between humans and the natural world.

One factor that makes a symbol lucky in Chinese philosophy is its auspicious meaning. For example, the dragon represents power, strength, and good fortune. It is believed to bring blessings and protect against evil spirits. Similarly, the phoenix symbolizes beauty, grace, and prosperity.

Another aspect that determines a symbol’s luckiness is its historical significance. Symbols like the double happiness character have been used for centuries to represent marital bliss and harmonious relationships. The longevity peach represents immortality and long life.

Top 11 Lucky Chinese Symbols

When it comes to luck, the Chinese culture has a treasure trove of symbols that are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.  Here are our top 11 picks for Chinese lucky symbols:

Phoenix – The Symbol of Renewal and Luck

In Chinese culture, this magnificent creature is an icon of renewal, rebirth, and luck. Known as Fenghuang, the phoenix is often associated with harmony and the balance of yin and yang. The phoenix is a radiant symbol of good fortune, making it popular in Chinese-themed online slots. Numerous lucky Chinese symbols are featured in slot machines and online gaming sites like Paddy Power because they invoke the promise of winning and prosperity. These games are loaded with jackpots, feature lush red and gold backgrounds, and are dripping in other lucky symbols, including money tree, tiger, three-legged toad, and more!

The phoenix has been depicted in Chinese art and mythology as a creature of unparalleled beauty and grace. Its presence on the slot reels signifies the potential for significant wins and the start of new beginnings. 

Dragon – The Celestial Guardian of Wealth

The dragon, the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, holds a revered status as a symbol of power, prosperity, and good fortune. The dragon is hailed as a celestial guardian of wealth in Chinese culture and is often associated with the emperor. Its appearance on the slot reels signifies great luck and bountiful rewards.

In Chinese folklore, the dragon represents imperial strength and protection. Legends tell of dragons bringing rain for bountiful harvests, reinforcing the connection between the mythical creature and prosperity. You can’t go wrong in luck when featuring the emperor’s favorite Chinese zodiac sign!

Rat – The Clever Navigator of Prosperity

While the rat may seem an unexpected symbol of luck, it holds a unique and favorable position in the Chinese zodiac. Known for its clever and resourceful nature, the rat is associated with wealth in Chinese culture.

In Chinese folklore, the rat is famous for winning a race by cleverly hitching a ride on the back of the ox. This clever maneuver showcases the rat’s ability to navigate challenges and secure success. In slot games, the rat symbolizes strategic gameplay and the potential for financial gains.

Tiger – The Guardian of Wealth and Prosperity

The tiger is a symbol of strength and courage. As a slot symbol, the tiger embodies the qualities of resilience and tenacity. In Chinese folklore, the tiger is revered as a powerful guardian capable of warding off evil spirits. Its association with wealth and prosperity makes it one of the luckiest Chinese symbols.

Lucky Frog – Bringing Good Fortune and Prosperity

In Chinese culture, the frog is considered an auspicious creature that symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Known as “Chan Chu” or “Three-Legged Toad,” this charming amphibian holds a special place in Chinese folklore.

Legend has it that the lucky frog was once a mythical creature who could bring rain to drought-stricken lands. Its ability to summon water made it a powerful symbol of wealth and abundance. Today, the Chinese frog is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and good fortune into one’s life.

The lucky frog or toad represents stability and balance with its three legs. It is often depicted sitting on top of a pile of coins or holding a coin in its mouth, signifying financial success. Having a figurine or artwork of the Lucky Frog in your home or office can bring positive energy and financial blessings.

The vibrant green color of the frog also holds significance in Chinese culture. Green symbolizes growth, fertility, and renewal – all essential elements for attracting luck and abundance.

Whether you believe in superstitions or not, incorporating the lucky frog into your life can be a fun way to embrace positivity and invite good fortune into your journey.

Turtles – Lucky Heros in a Halfshell

Turtles have long been seen as symbols of longevity, wisdom, and luck in Chinese culture. These fascinating creatures are believed to possess the secrets of the earth and the sea, making them highly revered.

In Chinese mythology, it is said that turtles carry the world on their backs, symbolizing stability and strength. They are often depicted with a snake coiled around their shell, representing harmony between heaven and earth. This powerful imagery has made turtles one of the luckiest symbols in Chinese culture.

In Feng Shui practices, placing an image or statue of a turtle in your home is believed to bring good fortune and protection. The turtle’s slow-moving nature also signifies patience and perseverance – highly valued qualities for success in life.

Whether you display a ceramic turtle figurine or incorporate turtle motifs into your decor, these lucky symbols can be constant reminders of positivity and resilience. Embracing the energy associated with turtles can help create a harmonious atmosphere in your living space while inviting good luck into your life.

Chinese Coins – Symbols of Prosperity and Good Fortune

Chinese coins are often used as decorative items or talismans to attract wealth and abundance.

The round shape of the coins represents wholeness and harmony – important concepts in traditional Chinese philosophy. The square hole at the center symbolizes heaven above and earth below, connecting us to both realms.

In Feng Shui, the placement of Chinese coins is believed to activate positive energy flow and invite financial success into our lives. They can be placed near entrances or in wealthy corners of our homes or offices.

Carrying a few coins in your wallet or purse is also said to bring good luck with money matters. Some people even wear them as jewelry for constant access to their auspicious energy.

Fish – Koi, Carp, and Goldfish

Three types of fish that hold particular significance are the koi, carp, and goldfish.

First up is the majestic koi fish. Koi represents perseverance and determination. Their vibrant colors and graceful movements are highly admired and thought to bring about good fortune and success in various aspects of life.

Next on our lucky fish tour is the humble carp. This symbolizes strength and resilience. Legend has it that if a carp successfully swims upstream to reach the Dragon Gate waterfall, it transforms into a powerful dragon! Talk about an inspiring transformation!

Last but certainly not least is the adorable goldfish. With its bright golden coloration, this little fish represents wealth and abundance. It is often associated with attracting prosperity into one’s life.

Lucky Cat – Waving Luck Your Way

Waving Cat, also known as Maneki Neko, is one of Chinese culture’s most popular and iconic lucky symbols. This adorable feline figure can often be found sitting gracefully with one paw raised in a beckoning gesture. The Maneki Neko cat is thought to bring good luck and fortune to its owner.

Legend has it that a wealthy man took shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm when he noticed a cat nearby waving at him. Intrigued by the cat’s actions, he approached it just as lightning struck the very spot where he had been standing moments before. Grateful for being saved from harm, the man adopted the cat and became prosperous thereafter.

The raised paw of the waving cat symbolizes inviting wealth and prosperity into one’s life. Different colors have different meanings: white for general luck, gold for wealth and prosperity, black for protection against evil spirits, and red for health and love.

Today, you can find these charming cats in various sizes and designs, often found in shops or restaurant entrances waving their paws, beckoning customers while bringing good fortune and wealth.

Fu Dogs – Fierce Guardians

Fu Dogs, also known as guardian lions, are one of the most iconic and powerful symbols in Chinese culture. These majestic statues serve as protectors and bring good luck to their owners.

The Fu Dog is often depicted in pairs, with a male lion resting his paw on an embroidered ball, symbolizing supremacy over the world, while a female lion rests her paw on a playful cub symbolizing nurture and protection. They are believed to have the power to shoo away evil energies, preventing them from entering homes or businesses.

The symbolism behind Fu Dogs goes beyond just protection. They also represent loyalty, bravery, and strength. Many people place these statues at their doorsteps or entrances to ensure positive energy flows into their space.

In traditional Chinese architecture, you can find Fu Dog sculptures guarding temples, palaces, and tombs. The intricate details carved into these statues showcase the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Mystic Knots – A Symbol of Infinite Luck and Fortune

Last but certainly not least, we come to the enchanting symbol of Mystic Knots. These intricate knots are often seen in Chinese art and jewelry, representing endless luck and fortune. The mystic knot is formed by a series of interwoven loops without a beginning or an end, symbolizing eternal love, harmony, and prosperity.

The intricacy of the design is said to bring about good energy while warding off negative forces. It is believed that wearing or displaying objects adorned with this auspicious symbol can attract wealth, success, and harmonious relationships into one’s life.

Other Lucky Chinese Elements to Explore

Aside from symbols, there are other elements in Chinese culture that are believed to bring luck and fortune. One of these is the color red. In Chinese tradition, red symbolizes good luck and happiness. That’s why you often see red decorations during festivals such as Lunar New Year.

Another element worth exploring is the number eight. In Chinese numerology, this number is considered extremely lucky because the word for eight is close to the word for wealth when pronounced. Many businesses in China try to incorporate this number into their phone numbers, license plates, and even building addresses.

Fruits also hold symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. For example, oranges are a common gift during special occasions because they represent wealth and abundance. Peaches are also associated with good luck and longevity.

Certain plants and flowers like chrysanthemums, bamboo, and money trees are believed to attract positive energy and prosperity into homes or businesses.

Stuff to Do With Lucky Chinese Symbols

Now that you know about the luckiest Chinese symbols, you might be wondering what you can do with them. Well, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Improve Your Luck

Many people keep lucky Chinese symbols as charms to boost their luck. Whether you’re playing the slots, or walking into a job interview – holding a lucky jade turtle or wearing a mystic knot might help increase favorable odds.

Wear Them

One of the simplest ways to incorporate lucky Chinese symbols into your life is by wearing them as jewelry. Whether it’s a pendant, bracelet, or ring, having these symbols close to you can bring good fortune and positive energy.

Display Them

Another great way to embrace lucky Chinese symbols is by displaying them in your home or office. Hang up paintings or calligraphy featuring auspicious characters like “福” (fú meaning “good fortune”) or “财” (cái meaning “wealth”). These visual reminders can attract abundance and prosperity into your surroundings.

Use Them in Feng Shui

If you’re familiar with feng shui principles, incorporating lucky Chinese symbols into your home decor can enhance the flow of positive energy. Place items like red lanterns or jade statues strategically around your space for maximum effect.

Gift Them

Sharing luck with others is always a wonderful gesture. Consider giving lucky Chinese symbol gifts on special occasions such as birthdays or holidays. It could be a charm bracelet, a keychain, or even a personalized calligraphy piece.

Learn Their Meanings

Take some time to delve deeper into the meanings behind these lucky symbols in Chinese culture and philosophy – it’s fascinating! Understanding their significance will give you a greater appreciation for their power and allow you to connect more fully with their positive energies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luckiest Chinese Symbols

Closing Thoughts About the Luckiest Chinese Symbols

In Chinese culture, symbols hold deep meaning and significance. The concept of luck is highly valued, and lucky Chinese symbols are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and positive energy into people’s lives. Understanding what makes a symbol lucky in Chinese philosophy is key to appreciating its importance. The combination of ancient beliefs, cultural traditions, and historical context contributes to their auspicious nature. By incorporating these symbols into various aspects of life such as art, home decor, or even personal tattoos, one can tap into their positive energies. As always, thanks for reading!