|
|
Metal Wall Decor
|
The Luck of
a Horseshoe |
Throughout Europe and the United States, Horseshoes are often seen nailed to barns and houses and as charms on jewelry.They are an accepted sign of good luck, though most people don't think about why that is.
The origin is believed to be tied to the proscribed magical powers of iron.
Iron is considered lucky because it is born from the marriage of rock and fire,
two of the basic elements in ancient times.
Blacksmiths, makers and users of iron, were alchemical masters of the elements and their byproducts. Accordingly, their creations were believed to be endowed
with supernatural powers.These powers helped in a story that says the 10th Century Archbishop of Canterbury foiled Satan when he was disguised as a horse because of the power of the positive power of the horseshoe. In addition, the basic shape of the horseshoe,which is either a cup, a crescent, or an arch depending on your point of view, is traditionally said to be lucky. The crescent is a moon symbol that has luck-giving properties
in ancient Mediterranean cultures because of moon-goddesses.
Also, the typical number of
seven nail holes in a real horseshoe is considered lucky in European tradition. All this added up to a strong belief in the lucky properties of horseshoes and horseshoes found should always be kept and nailed to the door of your house or barn.
-Horseshoes are usually iron, and iron repels fair-folk, keeping your house free of mischievous demons, imps, pixies, and elves.
-Horseshoes are associated with blacksmiths, and smithing is considered a lucky profession.
-A witch cannot walk under a horseshoe.
-If the devil gets to close to a horseshoe, he will be sucked in.
-A horseshoe in your bedroom will keep nightmares away.
-Horseshoes can cure hiccups.
When kept as a talisman, a horseshoe is said to bring good luck. Many believe that to hang it with the ends pointing upwards is good luck as it acts as a storage container of sorts for any good luck that happens to be floating by, whereas to hang it with the ends pointing down, is bad luck as all the good luck will fall out.
"When a horse throws a shoe the luck is lost with it.
To be lucky, a horseshoe must be worn by a horse until it is removed."
In order to glean the benefits, there are rules, too:
-The horseshoe must have been worn by a horse.
-(Mainly England/Ireland/US) The horseshoe must be placed facing up, or the luck will run out.
-(Everywhere else) The horseshoe must be placed facing down so the luck can pour on you.
-Touch it. Ancient customs from all over the world concur that a horseshoe hung in a location
where it can be touched bring luck to those making contact with it.
|
In the mountains you always seem to find horses. Where there are horses, you find horseshoes. And when you have a bunch of horses like Wayne, one of our Metal Wall Decor crafters, you need something to do with all the horseshoes. Wayne has created some very decorative and practical uses for all the horseshoes he has.
In his Metal Wall Decor collection you will find everything from horseshoe wall wreaths to horseshoe coatracks, hooks, mug holders, bookends, napkin and desktop paper holders, as well as single lucky horseshoes to hang over doorways and entrances.
To check out these great Metal Wall Decor selections click on the
host icon here - 
Also, Wayne is always adding new items to his Metal Wall Decor
collection so make sure you check back often to see what's new.
If you have any ideas to throw Wayne's way, you can send him
your suggestions for other great Metal Wall Decor horseshoe
items using the Contact Us form.
|
|
