What's the meaning of the Beckoning Cat »
Beckoning Cat
This page is about the meaning, origin and characteristic of the symbol, emblem, seal, sign, logo or flag: Beckoning Cat.
The famous image of the Maneki Neko or “beckoning cat” is an easily recognizable symbol of Chinese and Japanese culture.
This rather endearing character can appear in any number of different forms; colors can vary from one style to another, and one or both paws can be raised in any example. Regardless of aesthetics, the overriding purpose of the neko is to bring good luck, a theme common in both China and Japan. As such, images or statues depicting the neko are often seen in homes and any number of places of business, including offices and restaurants.
The neko also has an interesting story behind its appearance and symbolism. According to tradition, a group of samurai was passing by an impoverished Buddhist temple when a cat appeared with one paw raised up, as if to invite the warriors inside. After they had entered the temple, a heavy storm broke out, but luckily they remained sheltered thanks to the cat. Afterwards the condition of the temple began to improve, and the cat with the raised paw took on its status as a lucky image.
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Graphical characteristics:
Asymmetric, Closed shape, Colorful, Contains both straight and curved lines, Has no crossing lines.
Categories: Chinese Symbols, Emblems, Good Luck Charms/Symbols, Language Symbols.
Beckoning Cat is part of the Chinese zodiac group.
More symbols in Chinese zodiac:
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An emblem is an abstract or representational pictorial image that represents a concept, like a moral truth, or an allegory, or a person, like a king or saint. Although words emblem and symbol are of… read more »
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"Beckoning Cat." Symbols.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.symbols.com/symbol/beckoning-cat>.
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