When someone you love is facing a challenge or is worried about something, it's only natural that you want to wish them the best. If it's not enough for you to just tell her "Good luck!", There are numerous possibilities. Throughout history, different cultures have used various ways to express this wish through words, symbols, spells, talismans and gestures. They can all help you hit the mark and send your wishes in a heartfelt and sincere way.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Encouraging Words
Step 1. To make a simple wish, just say "Good luck
It is one of the easiest and most effective ways to send your wishes. It is a direct and heartfelt sentence, so it is practically impossible to go wrong.
- Try to sound sincere. If expressed in the wrong tone, this sentence can be misinterpreted and be sarcastic. So make sure that the recipient has no doubts about your sincerity when you wish him good wishes.
- Some people don't like this phrase because they find it has a negative meaning. According to some, "Good luck!" implies that the success of the project will not be in the hands of the recipient of the wish, but in those of fate. Use this phrase at your discretion.
Step 2. Use another sentence
If you want to say something auspicious to a person who hates the expression "Good luck!" or are you looking for a more creative phrase, there are others that essentially have the same meaning. Try one of the following based on your situation.
- "Congratulations!" or "I hope everything goes well!" however, they allow you to extend your wishes and are slight variations.
- The action of crossing your fingers is often propitiatory, so you can also wish good luck by saying, "I'll keep my fingers crossed!"
- Many actors think that saying "Good luck!" be a bad omen before a show. For this reason, in such a situation, traditionally it is better to say "Good luck!" or more colorful propitiatory phrases. This superstition originates from the Anglo-Saxon culture, in fact in English for actors and musicians it is said Break a leg!, which literally means "Break your leg!". Apparently this refers to the gesture the actor makes when he bows to receive the applause of the audience.
- While this expression does not exactly correspond to "Good luck!", "May the force be with you!", A phrase taken from "Star Wars", it is sometimes used to extend their wishes to someone who is about to face a daunting task.
- Other variations include: "Show him who you are!", "Everything will be fine!" or "Show him what you're made of!".
Step 3. You can also send your wishes in another language
Of course, other languages also have various expressions to tell someone "Good luck!". To be original, try a variation. It is a particularly useful method if the recipient speaks the language in question or has some connection with the culture associated with it.
- In Spanish, you can send your wishes by saying ¡Buena suerte!. In German, you can use Viel Glück! and Alles Gute!. In French, you can say Bonne chance!.
- In English, you can say Good luck! o You'll be great!.
- The phrase Jūk néih hóuwahn (祝 你 好運) allows you to wish good luck in Cantonese Chinese, while Gokoūn or inorimasu (ご 幸運 を 祈 り ま す) is the formal sentence to do so in Japanese. The informal expression is Gambatte ne (頑 張 っ て ね).
- In Greek, you can wish someone good luck by saying Kalí tíhi (Καλή τύχη), while in Turkish İyi şanslar or Bol şans!.
- Saubhāgya (सौभाग्य) is the Hindi expression for wishing someone good luck, while in Arabic you can say: Bi't-tawfiq!.
Method 2 of 3: Using Amulets, Offerings and Spells
Step 1. Choose an amulet of natural origin
Most lucky charms and symbols come from objects found in nature. If possible, give the actual object to the recipient, otherwise, if it is not available, look for a reproduction of it.
- Shamrocks are much rarer than shamrocks, so they bring good luck. The first leaf symbolizes faith, the second hope, the third love and the fourth luck.
- Acorns represent good luck, youth, prosperity and spiritual growth. Traditionally in Scandinavian cultures acorns were placed on the windowsill to protect the house from lightning.
- Rainbows are considered to be an auspicious symbol for several reasons. Many cultures think they are bridges or paths used by spirits. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, God created the rainbow to promise that he would never again destroy the world in a flood.
- Some believe that amber, or the fossil resin that comes from the fossilized sap of trees, is a good omen, balances emotions and eliminates fears.
- The stars are often used as a symbol of good luck because in many ancient cultures it was believed that a person's fate could be predicted and controlled by the stars. Shooting stars are particularly propitiatory.
- Bamboo seedlings, also called "lucky bamboo", are often kept because they symbolize longevity and strength. Bamboo grows fast and is hardy, making it a symbol of strength in Chinese culture.
Step 2. Choose a symbol from the animal kingdom
Some animals are specifically associated with good luck or various applications of it. Try using one of these symbols to wish someone good luck. Furthermore, certain parts of different animals are also considered auspicious.
- For example, one of the most popular is the rabbit's foot. These animals were considered auspicious as they were associated with spring, the season of rebirth. Since the hind legs touch the ground before the front ones, they are considered particularly propitiatory.
- Some think that the fork-shaped bone of turkeys and chickens makes it possible to grant a wish when it is broken in two. The person who receives the bigger half can make a wish, but he doesn't have to tell anyone. If he shared it, it wouldn't come true.
- Goldfish are symbols of prosperity, well-being, wisdom, power, longevity and peace. They are also one of the eight symbols of the Buddha, therefore a sign of fertility and harmony.
- Dolphins are a symbol of luck and protection. This belief has been passed down from ancient sailors: when they spotted dolphins around their boats, it meant they were close to the mainland.
- The maneki-neko, or "calling cat", is a very common feline figure in Japan. It is believed to bring good luck and well-being.
Step 3. Use a man-made amulet
Not all lucky charms have an entirely natural origin; some are produced by humans. Many of these are easier to find than natural ones, so if you want to wish someone good luck, you could give them one.
- For example, horseshoes are sometimes hung in homes to protect them and attract good luck. Originally they were made by blacksmiths, a profession that was considered lucky.
- Another example. Coins are seen as auspicious in many cultures. However, the exact coin you need to attract good luck can vary. In the United States, it is usually the so-called lucky penny, especially when facing the "head" side, while in Great Britain it was the 6 pence coin.
- Three keys that are kept together symbolize health, money and love.
Step 4. Think about religious amulets
Some cults have symbols associated with good luck. They generally have deeper meanings than classic talismans, but are sometimes used simply to wish someone good luck. If you or the recipient of your wishes have a connection with these traditions, it may be a good idea to use a religious symbol.
- For example, dream catchers belong to some Native American spiritual cults and are believed to chase away evil, preventing it from entering dreams.
- The "Smiling Buddha", or Pu-Tai, is used in Chinese culture to symbolize happiness, health, abundance and contentment.
- Crosses are primarily a Christian religious symbol, but in ancient times they were also an amulet to attract luck and protection. Today some Christians also use medals, statues and similar representations of saints to express an ardent desire for protection or guidance in a certain area of life (usually the one under the protection of the saint in question).
- Remember to be careful when giving a religious symbol. People often have a very strong bond with their faith, so they may feel offended if they are given a lucky charm with the wrong spirit. For example, a Christian may gladly accept a cross with the wish to be blessed by God, but may be offended if he is told that the cross will bring him good luck.
Step 5. Cast a spell
According to some religious traditions, magic formulas and spells can be a good omen. For example, Wicca has numerous white magic spells that draw on European pagan beliefs. If the idea doesn't mind either you or the recipient, you might want to try one.
- The Wicca spell to wish good luck involves the use of oil and a black candle. After pouring a drop of oil on a fingertip, move your finger along the candle up and down 3 times; meanwhile, display propitiatory images and repeat: "Black candle, give X lots of happiness. Make joy and prosperity abound."
- You can do another spell before you go to sleep. Clearly write your wish on paper and place it under a candle. Then, clear your mind. Light the candle, focus on the wish you want to fulfill - that your friend is lucky - and visualize it.
Step 6. Try using some food
There are foods that can be used to wish good luck. Choose one and give it to the person in question or prepare a dish using at least one.
- Long noodles are eaten in various Asian countries to wish a long life, but remember that you cannot break them before putting them in your mouth.
- Black-eyed peas are eaten in the southern United States, where traditionally they are the first food eaten on New Year's Eve to wish good luck.
- Cabbage is associated with good luck, especially of an economic nature, because green recalls the color of banknotes. This tradition is prevalent mainly in Germany, Ireland and some parts of the United States.
- Lentils resemble coins, and for this reason they are considered a good omen in Italy.
- The pomegranate is associated with abundance and fertility in Mediterranean countries such as Turkey.
- Fish is seen as an auspicious food in several parts of North America, Asia and Europe as it swims to new targets. In addition, the fish move in large schools, so they are a symbol of abundance.
Method 3 of 3: Other Gestures to Wish Good Luck
Step 1. Send a note
It is one of the easiest ways to wish someone your wishes. Cards generally have pre-printed messages inside, but you can also choose a blank one and personalize it.
- Personalize the message by expressing your wishes in more detail, but you can also use an Italian expression or another language similar to "Good luck!".
- If words aren't enough for you, you could attach a small amulet, such as a coin, four-leaf clover or other, to the inside of the card by sticking it with tape.
Step 2. Give a box or jar to wish someone good luck
Some people think that vessels filled with spices, herbs or symbols can "attract" good luck. Fill a container with small, inexpensive amulets, then give it to the person you want to wish. In practice, you will give her a propitiatory kit.
- The kit can be monothematic or contain different symbols. For example, you could gift a jar full of sparkling coins to wish someone good luck. Alternatively, you could make a kit with a lucky bamboo, three skull rings attached to the same keychain, a stuffed dolphin, some decals featuring stars and a few acorns. You can also think of another assortment of symbols.
- Some of the best herbs for these kits include chamomile, four leaf clover, dandelion, mistletoe, rosehip, sandalwood, mint, anise, and thyme.
- If gifting trinkets or herbs isn't your thing, write your wishes on small pieces of paper and put them in a jar. You can give it to those people who need an extra bit of luck. Explain to them that they should open the container and take out a note whenever they need to be told "Good luck!". Write different expressions on each piece of paper.
- Similarly, you can write a specific wish on each piece of paper. Again, try to use various expressions.
Step 3. Use products that already represent the concept of luck
A nice and original way to congratulate someone is to give him an object that contains the word "luck" written in Italian or in another language, in the name or in the description.
There are several cheap products that contain this word in the name, especially in English (lucky). For example, think of Lucky Charms cereals (available on the internet) or Fortunelly plush toys
Step 4. Give a bracelet or other piece of jewelry with charms
Since many symbols are difficult to find in nature, several jewelry brands reproduce them in the form of metal "charms". You can gift a piece with a single pendant or a bracelet decorated with different symbols.
- Stones associated with the zodiac signs are also considered auspicious, so giving someone an accessory with this amulet is another way to wish them good luck.
- If this person is not wearing jewelry, you could still give them an accessory, such as a keychain, with a symbol.
Step 5. Push back bad luck
Some gestures do not exactly allow you to wish good luck, but they do allow you to keep bad luck at bay. They are actions of averting that someone finds effective in guaranteeing a neutral or favorable fate. According to some studies, for some people they are really useful for the purpose of finding peace of mind.
- One of them is touching iron or wood. Touching a metal or wooden object serves to avoid tempting fate, therefore not to bring bad luck after making an observation about someone's destiny or desired results.
- The action of throwing salt behind someone's left shoulder is based on the association between salt and lies or treachery. It is believed to "blind" the evil that awaits behind a person.
- As stated earlier, keeping your fingers crossed is another way to "prevent" things from going as hoped.
