The lucky cat, also known as the maneki-neko or beckoning cat, is a well-known symbol of good luck and fortune, especially in Japanese and Chinese cultures. These ceramic cat figurines are typically depicted with one paw raised in a beckoning gesture, believed to attract prosperity and customers. While the classic lucky cat color is white, they come in a variety of colors, including purple.
The Significance of the Color Purple
The color purple carries great spiritual and mystical significance in many cultures around the world. In color symbolism, purple is associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. The rarity and expense of the dyes historically used to produce the color purple meant it was mostly reserved for the upper echelons of society. As a result, purple has developed connotations of wealth, extravagance, creativity, and magic.
In Japanese culture, the color purple is traditionally connected to supernatural powers and protective magic. During the Edo period, the ruling classes wore purple as a proclamation of their status and authority. Later on, lighter shades of purple became associated with spiritual enlightenment and inner knowledge. Purple is also symbolic of the Japanese gods of fortune.
Chinese culture likewise links the color purple to spiritual awareness, wisdom, and immortality. Chinese emperors wore purple robes to demonstrate their godlike status. Buddhist monks in ancient China wore purple vestments to show their high rank in the religious hierarchy. Purple snail shells were prized in Chinese art and poetry as emblems of deep thought and contemplation.
Meanings of a Purple Lucky Cat
Due to the culturally symbolic power of the color purple, a purple lucky cat takes on additional layers of meaning:
- Royalty and luxury – Purple symbolizes material wealth, prosperity, and financial success.
- Rarity – The uncommon purple color denotes something special and unique.
- Mysticism – Purple connotes the mysterious and supernatural powers of the cat.
- Spirituality – The purple color represents higher consciousness and enlightenment.
- Creativity – Purple can signify the awakening of creative potential.
- Independence – As a mix of red and blue, purple contains both fiery and calm energies.
- Wisdom – Purple evokes deep inner knowledge and learnedness.
- Magic – The purple cat has associations with divination and fortune-telling.
- Protection – Purple is seen as a protective color that wards off evil.
Therefore, a purple lucky cat has a more esoteric and sacred symbolic meaning compared to lucky cats in standard colors. The purple is thought to energize the cat with a more intense supernatural lucky charm.
How Does the Purple Lucky Cat Bring Good Fortune?
According to feng shui principles, the uplifted paw of the lucky cat is said to channel positive energy and chi into the environment. The purple color enhances this mystical energy and luck-drawing effect. Here are some of the main ways the purple lucky cat is believed to attract luck and prosperity:
- Dispels negativity – The purple cat counteracts any nearby negative energies.
- Attracts wealth – Its royal color draws in money, success, and abundance.
- Boosts creativity – Its imaginative purple color inspires new ideas and innovations.
- Enhances wisdom – The purple cat helps you make smart, insightful decisions.
- Strengthens relationships – Its spiritual energy improves your personal connections.
- Wards off evil – The purple cat offers protection against curses and bad luck.
- Promotes calmness – Its purple color brings a sense of peace and harmony.
Where should the purple lucky cat be placed to maximize its lucky effects? Feng shui principles recommend positioning it close to the main entrance of your home or business. Face the cat towards the inside of the premises so it can draw prosperity inwards. The cat can also be placed in living spaces, offices, and cash registers to stimulate those areas with good fortune.
Origins and History of the Lucky Cat
The contemporary lucky cat first emerged in Japan in the late 19th century. However, some possible early predecessors existed in ancient Chinese art. Let’s explore the historical origins of this iconic symbol of luck:
Ancient Chinese Art
Some art historians believe the lucky cat has ancestors dating back to late Ming dynasty China around the 17th century. Ceramic bowl and plate decorations from this era depict cats holding cash coins or playing with butterflies and balls. These creative motifs may have symbolized prosperity and good fortune.
In addition, bronze cat figurines were crafted during the Han dynasty in China. These statuettes of sitting cats with collars and movable arms could have inspired the modern lucky cat design.
Spread of the Beckoning Cat in Japan
The current incarnation of the lucky cat emerged and gained popularity in Japan starting in the late 1800s. How did the iconic beckoning cat become such a staple of Japanese culture?
The most well-known origin story is set in the 17th century, when a priest named Nichiren was living at a temple in eastern Japan. One day, he was mediating in the temple graveyard when a white cat approached him. The cat caught Nichrien’s attention by continuously beckoning with its paw. Nichiren followed the cat to investigate this mysterious behavior.
Moments later, a lightning bolt struck the exact spot where Nichiren had been meditating! The lucky cat had saved the priest’s life with its warning gesture. Nichrien honored the cat’s act by making a likeness of it out of stone at the temple entrance. This appreciative tribute is considered the first maneki-neko cat statue.
Over the next few centuries, the tradition of lucky cat sculptures spread at Japanese temples and shops. By the late 19th century, artist Tsuru Jirō had created the recognizable seated ceramic lucky cat design. His cute and colorful cat figurines became immensely popular as commercial good luck charms.
Global Popularity
From early 20th century Japan, images of the lucky cat spread internationally. Its beckoning paw gesture resonated with people across many cultures as a symbol of fortune and prosperity.
The lucky cat remains highly popular worldwide today. It has been featured in films, anime, video games, and television shows. Though originating in Asian culture, it has become a cross-cultural icon of luck and positive vibrations.
Variations of Lucky Cat Design and Symbolism
While the classic maneki-neko is white and has one raised paw, modern designs come in diverse colors, poses, and motifs. Here are some common lucky cat variations and their symbolic meanings:
| Variation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Purple | Royalty, spirituality, mysticism, creativity |
| Gold | Great wealth and prosperity |
| Red | Success, passion, driving away evil |
| Green | Health, healing, prosperity in business |
| Both paws raised | Double luck and fortune |
| Coin in paw | Wealth and business success |
| Bobblehead | Luck and positivity in all directions |
| Waving paw | Actively beckoning luck your way |
| Solar-powered waving arm | Continuous lucky motion and animism |
Kitty maneki-neko figurines are also popular for their kawaii or “cute” aesthetics. While classic lucky cats are usually depicted quite calmly, modern cats often have energetic, fun, and expressive designs.
Famous Lucky Cat Characters
The iconic image of the lucky cat has inspired famous Japanese media characters. Here are some legendary pop culture cats modeled after the maneki-neko:
Hello Kitty
One of Japan’s most recognizable kawaii characters, beloved Hello Kitty was designed with inspiration from the lucky cat. Hello Kitty’s white color, signature bow, and wave are reminiscent of the classic maneki-neko. Like the waving lucky cat, Hello Kitty aims to spread positive friendship and happiness.
Maneki Neko “Lucky Cat” from Puck Man
This video game character named “Lucky Cat” appears in the Japanese arcade game Puck Man, later renamed Pac-Man internationally. In early rounds, Lucky Cat randomly walks across the screen as a bonus item for Pac-Man to collect for extra points. Its appearance resembles a maneki-neko waving its paw.
Kitter from Capcom Games
The character Kitter has appeared in numerous Capcom video games since 1989. A small, bipedal yellow cat, Kitter’s design incorporates elements of the lucky cat, including an upturned paw. Kitter often scratches its ear with one paw raised, blending the beckoning pose with a “lucky scratch” feline mannerism.
The Global Appeal of Cats
What explains the enduring cross-cultural popularity of cat imagery like the maneki-neko? Cats have many traits and behaviors that humans find compelling:
- Mystique – Cats are mysterious, subtle, and enigmatic creatures.
- Independence – Cats display self-sufficiency and agency.
- Unpredictability – Cats’ activities seem random and outside human control.
- Superstition – Cats have a long association with magic, spirits, and the supernatural.
- Cuteness – Cats often exhibit endearing traits and motions.
- Sloppiness – Cats’ playful messiness contrasts with human orderliness.
- Aloofness – Cats maintain an appealing distance from human affairs.
These paradoxical qualities allow the image of the cat to symbolize opposite concepts – order and disorder, domesticity and wilderness, luck and chaos. The lucky cat condenses positive cat associations into one charming mythical creature that promises good fortune.
Conclusion
With its uplifted beckoning paw, the purple lucky cat represents amplified good luck, prosperity, and positive energy. The color purple imbues the cat with extra spiritual power, creativity, and mystical charm. While originating in Asian culture, the lucky cat’s universal design has made it a globally recognized talisman.
Displaying a purple lucky cat attracts fortune, counters negative vibes, inspires ingenuity, and promotes calmness. Its beautiful purple color and magical feline energy create a captivating focal point brimming with lucky possibilities. Let the purple lucky cat’s divine waving paw call forth great abundance into your life!
