Horseshoes serve a practical purpose, protecting a horses hooves as they go about their business.
But this seemingly random object is one of the most enduring symbols of luck in the western
world, dating back hundreds of years.
The notion that horseshoes are lucky items can be traced back to ancient folklore. While
there are many reasons explaining why horseshoes are lucky, which we ll discuss in this video,
the most well-known explanation comes from a Christian legend from 959 AD.
There are several variations to the legend, but the most well-known goes like this. Dunstan,
who would later be canonized in 1029, was visited several times by the Devil while he
was busy working in his blacksmith s forge. On its first visit, the Devil disguised himself
as a beautiful woman who wanted to lead Dunstan out of the forge. But the blacksmith recognized
that the woman had cloven hooves showing beneath her dress. Knowing this was the Devil, he
immediately grabbed the creature by the nose with his red-hot tongs.
St Dunstan, as the story goes, Once pull'd the devil by the nose
With red-hot tongs, which made him roar, That he was heard three miles or more.
Charles Dickens [na1]A Christmas Carol But the Devil did not learn his lesson and
made another attempt to persuade Dunstan. This time, he went to him and asked him to
re-shoe his horse. Once again, Dunstan recognized the devil. Thinking quickly, he tricked the
Devil and nailed a horseshoe onto the Devil s hoof causing it immense pain. The devil
begged Dunstan to remove the horseshoe, which he agreed to do if it swore never to enter
a place where a horseshoe was nailed to the door. The devil agreed and was let go.
St. Dunstan would become the most popular saint in England for around 200 years, and
so naturally, this legend became well known. People believed that a horseshoe could keep
evil spirits and even the Devil himself away and bring them good fortune instead.
Apart from this story, there are other reasons why a horseshoe is considered lucky[na2].
Being a blacksmith was believed to be a lucky trade and as blacksmiths made horseshoes,
they were associated with luck. Some believed that iron was a magical metal
because it is fireproof. During the Middle Ages, witches supposedly feared horses because
of the iron horseshoes they wear, so much so that they preferred broomsticks for their
transportation. Some, like the Chaldeans of Ancient Europe,
believe that horseshoes are lucky because of their crescent shape that mimics the moon.
And finally, horseshoes tend to have 7 nails in them, which is also a lucky number.
Horseshoes were hung above entryways to houses and workplaces to keep misfortune out. While
they can be placed upright or turned upside down the orientation impacts the symbolism.
If you hang a horseshoe with the points up, like the letter U, it s believed to be like
a bowl that catches good luck for the homeowner. If you hang it upside down, the good luck
will flow out and surround the home as well as anyone who walks beneath the horseshoe.
One interesting caveat to the lucky horseshoe is that good luck only comes to those who
own the horseshoe. Stealing, borrowing or buying the horseshoe will not provide the
same luck as finding it or owning it. Today, finding a real horseshoe is almost impossible,
unless you leave near a ranch and work with horses. This is why gifting a horseshoe symbol
is an excellent way for the receiver to find the luck of a horseshoe.
The horseshoe is a popular symbol in modern culture. It s a beloved motif in jewelry designs,
artwork, and clothing. Horseshoes are used as a wedding motif and
sometimes given as wedding gifts, stemming from the Ancient Celtic tradition of sewing
horseshoe embroidery on wedding gowns for good luck.
Famous brands, like True Religion, Dickies, and Gancini by Salvatore Ferragamo, have used
horseshoes in their branding, perhaps to attract fortune and protect them from bankruptcy.
Today, the horseshoe remains one of the best-known symbols of luck and good fortune, with roots
that go back to both Christianity and magic. Despite several interpretations of its origins,
its symbolism remains the same: warding off misfortune and inviting good luck for those
who own it. If you enjoyed this video, check out our other
videos on similar symbols. And please like and subscribe it helps our channel grow. Thanks
for watching. [na1]For video
[na2]Put numbers here on video