The Horseshoe: Secrets, Legends, Meaning
Whether you support your favorite football team or a racehorse, sport is sure to give you a good time.
The lucky charms and rituals that are used during this type of competition are numerous. Many may seem a little strange to us, or even downright stupid.
Today, we are going to talk about an effective good luck charm that is not at all laughable: the horseshoe (of which here is an entire collection).
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Lucky charms: a constant in the world of sport
Lucky charms: a constant in the world of sport
Certain personalities from the world of sport are known for their sometimes crazy superstitions, habits and lucky charms.
In the form of a talisman, an amulet or simply a key ring, here are three examples of athletes who believe in the powers of luck:
- Michael Jordan wore his University of North Carolina basketball shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform as a good luck charm.
- Wendell always wore a necklace of teeth from animals he had hunted and killed during his hunting trips.
- Horse racing is no exception. Some jockeys will name their nag after sometimes far-fetched beliefs.
We could cite lots of other examples, but you get the idea: for many very sensible men, it's possible that a certain item can bring good luck.
The story of Saint Dunstan
If the races stand out, it is because each competitor automatically has with them four of the most powerful lucky charms: this is the famous horseshoe.
Known for centuries to ward off evil spirits and provide good energy, the origins of the horseshoe are still a little murky.
It is believed to have become a symbol of good luck when the 8th century Chaldeans associated it with various deities in their pantheon.
The story I believe is a little different.
In 969 AD, Saint Dunstan, the patron saint of blacksmiths in the Catholic Church, had the courage and grace to deceive the devil.
There are many versions of this story. The most famous tells us how Saint Dunstan received a very strange order.
The devil in fact ordered him to prepare shoes for him, not for horses, but for his own hooves. Not wanting to work for him, our hero decided at the last moment to put irons in his foot with all his might.
The pain being unbearable for him, the devil then promised never to stop in a house on the wall of which a lucky iron will hang.
Iron...horseshoe
Most early horseshoes were made from iron, a durable metal that is also said to have mystical powers. .. This is certainly something accepted by many cultures around the world.
Endowed with magnetic capabilities, its energy would have the power to pass through the human body and thus maintain it in a state of extraordinary energy.
Although it may seem somewhat folkloric, it is known that medieval bone-setters (or witches, if you prefer) truly feared iron horseshoes. This was so true that they decided to travel on broomsticks rather than take the risk of approaching this metal by riding horses.
It is therefore not uncommon to see this type of pendant presenting a horseshoe used in a protective setting.
A numerological lucky charm
Even the number of holes left for nails are linked to luck and protection.
There are 7, but it turns out that this number is one of the luckiest in the world, considered the lucky number par excellence.
It is a number intrinsically linked to the world in which we live: there are seven days of the week, seven seas, seven continents and even seven colors in a rainbow...
At the place or upside down ?
Many people agree that the horseshoe is a good lucky charm, but argue about how to use it.
Some people hang it (U) so that luck remains captured in the hollow thus formed.
Others decide to hang the heel upwards so that luck and happiness flow to all those who pass underneath.
Walk around the back of any racetrack and you'll see that the trainers still can't agree on the best way to hang their lucky horseshoe.
The best advice we can give you is to hang two: one right side up and the other upside down. So, whatever the right solution, you are sure to be in the right one!
As many lucky shoes as horses
Still considered one of the most powerful lucky charms, the horseshoe has seen its design, shape and even appearance evolve since its original conception several hundred (or even thousands) years ago.
Thanks to new and increasingly extensive knowledge, they are no longer made only of iron, but of many other metals, such as aluminum.
Thoroughbreds intended for racing in particular have their irons manufactured to be as light as possible, the aim being of course to be the fastest during the race.
Most lucky horseshoes remain close to their original shape, namely the Chaldean style (i.e. crescent moon shaped).
However, farriers have discovered more unusual shapes. Let us mention here the “bar” iron, whose more complete oval style is used in particular for hoof therapy.
Today, farriers sometimes even recommend a number of holes different from the original 7, all of course to increase the comfort of the animal.
The effects of the horseshoe as a lucky charm
The horseshoe is an exceptional symbol linked to luck and favorable destiny that can suit everyone, really.
Here are some anecdotes that show you this without too much worry:
- We've mentioned it before, but this story is always funny: During the Middle Ages, witches and demons were supposed to be deathly afraid of horseshoes.
- In many countries (especially in Europe and America), it is customary to place a horseshoe above your front door to ensure luck and happiness.
- There is a tradition among players (whether poker, blackjack or even sports betting) of carrying a horseshoe on days when there is a lot to win.
- Some (very) powerful individuals have been interested in this symbol throughout history. We sometimes find irons made of gold and silver, and encrusted with exceptional precious stones.
- Even if you are not superstitious, know that many jewelers appreciate the horseshoe because of its simple but elegant design, and its sense linked to traditions and rurality.
In short, whatever the reason, jewelry featuring horseshoes will be great gifts to give to you or your loved ones.
Conclusion on the horseshoe
Without surprise, we have seen the horseshoe go beyond the vulgar stage of “horse shoe”.
Made of gold, crystal or silver, many charms take the shape of a horseshoe. They are also particularly powerful, precisely for this reason.
The less stubborn among us sometimes wear them as earrings, bracelets or necklaces. Gentlemen also use it to adorn their ties and belts.
If, throughout history, people from such diverse cultures have seen fit to place their trust in the powers of this lucky charm that is the horseshoe, it is surely not without reason.
For my part, I firmly believe that it can increase our levels of opportunity and energy.
Besides, if the horseshoe speaks to you, perhaps you would like to discover other lucky charms straight from Europe. Simple ladybug, element of the zodiac and charm of all kinds: if you are looking for an original gift idea, you will certainly find what you are looking for.
And you what do you think ?
Lucky charms featured in this article
