Fromfour - leaf cloverstorabbit ’s feet , many symbolization have been consider herald of good fortune throughout history . Among these , thelucky horseshoestands out as a plebeian symbol of circumstances and protection , even as impression and traditions convert over fourth dimension .
Often watch hanging in closed spaces like barns or stables , given to a newlywed couple , or , more late , worn as jewellery , horseshoe are thought to convey good luck and protection . Over the century , several origin narrative come forth about why people the public over conceive in the luck of the low shoe .
The Blacksmith and the Devil: An Irish Tale
In the Irish story of the blacksmith and the devil , one day a blacksmith was forge hard in his store hammer horseshoes . Suddenly , the devil appeared and demanded his own shoes . The blacksmith , recognizing the devil , took a combustion - hot shoe and sail through it deep into the devil ’s hooves .
The ogre was in such excruciating pain sensation , he ripped the shoe off and swore he would never go near one again . Thus , the tradition of hang a horseshoe over the entrance of a star sign to guard off evil spirits was born .
The Power of Iron
Another account has more to do with the metal in the horseshoe . other Western Europeans believed thatironhad magical power and could motor off evil . Folkloreof the time was plethoric with tales of puckish fairies and mysterious animate being . Horseshoes , being made of iron , naturally became protective talismans .
Other legend say thatwitcheswere so afraid of iron quoits , they go by broomstick or else of horseback . And 8th - one C Chaldeans believed the crescent shape of the shoe protect against theevil middle , thus making it a good luck charm [ origin : Kentucky Derby Museum ] .
The Significance of 7
The numeral of holes in a horseshoe is n’t just a random innovation choice . Typically , horseshoes have seven holes to secure them to a knight ’s hoof . The number seven is revered across acculturation for its frequent appearances in nature and living : seven Continent , seven seas , seven colouration in a rainbow and seven days in a hebdomad . This connexion with the phone number seven only overstate the shoe ’s favourable air .
There does seem to be some contention , however , over how to hang a lucky shoe . Some exponent for the dog - up posture , resemble a " U , " to preclude good hazard from spilling out . Others believe in the hound - down orientation , showering blessings on those who pass beneath . Perhaps the result is to have two horseshoes , hung in both orientation , ensuring a duple Elvis of good fortune !
