The idea of luck and fortune has long fascinated humanity, cutting across borders and belief systems. For thousands of years, societies have developed symbols, stories, and customs around the hope of attracting favourable outcomes. Whether seen as divine favour, natural balance, or personal fate, the desire to align oneself with “good fortune” has remained a consistent feature of human culture.
The Role of Luck in Ancient Civilisations
In ancient Egypt, fortune was closely tied to divine order. The concept of Ma’at—representing truth, balance, and cosmic harmony—suggested that prosperity came from living in alignment with the universe’s natural order. Offerings, prayers, and amulets featuring symbols like the scarab beetle were common, all believed to attract positive energy and ward off misfortune.
Similarly, in ancient China, luck was not random but shaped by universal forces such as Qi and the balance of yin and yang. The use of objects like coins with square holes or the hanging of red lanterns had significance beyond mere decoration—they were believed to influence fortune directly. The Chinese lunar calendar and the principles of feng shui also guided decisions around life events, from marriage to building construction, all in an effort to welcome beneficial outcomes.
The ancient Greeks, on the other hand, often personified fortune. Tyche, the goddess of chance and prosperity, was both revered and feared. Statues of Tyche were placed in city centres, and offerings were made in her name. To the Greeks, fortune was unpredictable but could be persuaded through respect and ritual.
Fortune in Folklore and Storytelling
Stories passed down through generations often reflect a society’s beliefs about luck. In Norse mythology, the Norns wove the fates of gods and humans alike, suggesting that fortune was literally spun into existence. In Japanese folklore, the maneki-neko, or “beckoning cat,” was said to bring prosperity to its owner—a belief that continues in many Asian cultures to this day.
European fairy tales often explored luck through morality tales: characters who displayed kindness or humility were rewarded with sudden windfalls, while greed was punished. These narratives subtly reinforced the idea that good fortune wasn’t arbitrary—it could be invited through one’s behaviour.
Rituals and Traditions Still Alive Today
Many traditions rooted in ancient ideas of luck remain woven into everyday practices. For example, the act of knocking on wood, still common in many cultures, dates back to pagan rituals intended to summon protective spirits from trees. The breaking of a wishbone at festive meals is another ritual steeped in ancient Roman customs, where the clavicle of birds was believed to carry mystical powers.
Similarly, lucky charms—such as four-leaf clovers or horseshoes—can trace their popularity back to pre-modern societies that attributed meaning to nature and symbols. Even now, people continue to seek good fortune online reading services, mirroring the age-old habit of consulting oracles or interpreting omens for guidance.
The Evolution of Belief in Personal Fortune
Over time, as philosophical and scientific thinking developed, so too did our understanding of luck. Where once fortune was seen as entirely external or divinely orchestrated, modern interpretations lean towards internal factors such as mindset and behaviour. Concepts like “creating your own luck” have emerged, emphasising preparation, opportunity, and personal agency.
Yet, even with this shift, the attraction to symbolic acts, lucky tokens, and time-honoured rituals persists. These practices may no longer be viewed as controlling fate, but rather as methods to connect with tradition or enhance confidence in uncertain times.
Across ages and continents, the search for good fortune has remained a constant thread in human experience. Whether through sacred rituals, folklore, or personal philosophy, people have always sought ways to tip the scales in their favour. Engaging with these ideas—both ancient and modern—can offer more than superstition; they invite reflection on one’s values, heritage, and inner outlook.
