Maneki Neko

What is the Maneki Neko? You most likely have already seen a statue of one
as he is by far the most popular kami all of Japan. Many Asian stores in
North America will have a happy cat with a raised paw by the entrance or the
register, this is Maneki Neko who's name means "The Beckoning Cat".

The origin of Maneki Neko is thus, in the 17th Century there was a woman in
Japan who was so poor that she had to sell her beloved cat. She was distraught
and overcome with grief. One night he came to her in a dream and counciled her
to fashion a cat like him out of clay and to sell it. She obeyed him and after
doing so the demand was so great for these statues that she sold them as fast
as she could make them. The woman prospered and was happy for the rest of her
life.

The Maneki Neko Shrines
There are two famous shrines to Maneki Neko in Tokyo, one on the East side and
one in the West. The shrine in the East is a Shinto shrine called The Imado Jinja.
The Western Tokyo shrine is a Buddhist shrine called Gotokuji Temple. Thus each
of Japan's major religions pay homage to The Maneki Neko in their own ways.
There are thousands of Maneki Neko figures and statues for sale on the streets
near both of these shrines and although they are all distinctly Maneki Neko they
each have their own unique appearance.

Maneki Neko come in all sizes with the smallest being the most expensive.
The raised paw is beckoning, in Japan this gesture is one of calling
something to you, not waving goodbye as it is here in The West. There is
meaning in which paw he has raised to call forth. The left paw is raised
to bring luck and money, His right paw is raised brings happiness, Both
paws raised is considered most lucky as it brings both money and happiness.
A whopping 70% of ceramic Maneki Nekos sold in Japan have both of their paws
raised to beckon.

Maneki Neko come in several colours and although all are lucky the colour
adds additional meaning. White Cats are for purity and happiness, Red ones
protect against malignant magic and illness, Black Nekos are used to ward
and protect and the Golden ones provide a stronger sort of wealth and
prosperity and are the most popular for business owners. They do now come in
more modern decorative colours that serve no magical purpose.

In addition to their colour and paw position the Maneki Neko have certain
talismanic elements such as the collar, bib and coin which serve to reinforce
their protective and prosperous attributes.

In the home the Maneki Neko brings happiness and prosperity to those who
live there. Placed traditionally in the bedroom for happy marriages and
the successful conception of children or by your desk for success in
business and study. If you have a third floor, it is particularly auspicious
to have a Maneki Neko there. A tiny Maneki Neko would be a grand charm to
place in your purse or perhaps a keychain fob.