The origin of lucky cats

Lucky cat (Lucky Cat in Japanese or Lucky Cat in English) originated in China more than 65,438+0,000 years ago, and originated in Japan. It is a common cat-shaped idol decoration in Japanese traditional culture and is regarded as an auspicious mascot. Its history can be traced back to the Edo period more than 400 years ago.

China:

Regarding the origin of the cat's lucky function, the Tang Dynasty wrote in Youyang Za that "the image of a lucky cat comes alive when the cat washes its face and ears; What is certain is that this custom existed among the people in China at least 1000 years ago in the Tang Dynasty.

In 20 14, the statue of "Lucky Cat" was found in the grottoes of the Southern and Northern Dynasties in Qishan, Shaanxi, more than 600 years ago, which further promoted the origin of Lucky Cat. This cat-shaped stone carving is similar to the shape of a "lucky cat"-this cat not only has uneven eyes, a fat body and a long upturned tail, but also presents a squatting posture, with one front paw lying on the ground and the other paw seemingly waving to people. "This shows that cats already existed in daily life at that time."

Japan:

There are a lot of folklore about lucky cats in Japan, which are basically related to "cats repay kindness". The origin of the legend can be traced back to the Edo period more than 400 years ago. There are different opinions about the origin and allusions of lucky cats, and different opinions have made different schools of lucky cats in Japan today, such as lucky cats in Yoshihara, Hokkaido, Aichi and Yuegu.

Since the Edo period, the custom of keeping cats has become popular in Japan. In the Japanese consciousness, cats are regarded as cute, intelligent, virtuous and a little cunning, full of mystery and spiritual strength. In addition, cats can protect food from mice, so the legend based on cats gradually spread. At the same time, with the popularity of raising cats, the legends about cats have further developed various far-fetched statements. The mythical cat was endowed with incredible abilities, and gradually evolved into the embodiment of the miser and the God of Wealth, so the image of the lucky cat was outlined and became a token of good fortune and peace among the Japanese people.