Feng Shui -All about Japanese Lucky Cat ‘Maneki Neko’
The Japanese Maneki Neko cat is one of the most widely used Feng Shui symbols believed to bring in good luck and fortune. Literally meaning the beckoning cat, Maneki Neko is also commonly known as money cat or fortune cat. Maneki Neko is usually displayed in windows or entrances of various business establishments in Japan. The palm of the cat is raised signifying a welcoming appeal. Traditionally Maneki Neko was more popular with a raised left palm. Over the years however, Maneki Neko can be found with a raised right palm as well as both palms in the air to signify abundance and good luck.
The Folklore behind Maneki Neko
Like most Japanese cultures and traditions, Maneki Neko has been followed over the centuries by a vast section of the population including businessmen. While there are a number of stories that go behind the mystic marvel of the Maneki Neko, one of the most popular folklore behind the Maneki Neko is the story of a rich landlord and the temple priest’s cat.
It is believed that a rich landlord was once travelling to some place in remote Japan and was resting under a tree during a violent storm. Just as he was trying to figure out a way, a cat from a nearby temple was seen beckoning the landlord with a raised left palm. The landlord walked up to the cat who took him to the temple. The tree under which the landlord was resting suddenly got burnt after it was stuck by lightening. The cat not only saved the Landlord’s life but also provided him shelter from the storm. The landlord henceforth gave a lot of donation to the temple and when the cat died, he erected a statue in the name of the cat known as Maneki Neko.
The Palms of Maneki Neko
The raised left palm of Maneki Neko signifies a welcoming gesture attracting people and clients. Maneki Neko with a raised left palm is used widely by business establishments like restaurants and stores helping them attract more customers. The raised right palm is traditionally associated with bringing in luck and fortune. A lot of business establishments these days use Maneki Neko with both its palm’s raised. Feng Shui principles also believe that raised left palm usually attracts women while the raised right palm is good for attracting men. Business establishments like beauty saloons or other women centric stores are better off keeping a Maneki Neko with a raised left palm.
Placement for Maneki Neko
While the best place for location of Maneki Neko depends on the kind of business one is involved with, Maneki Neko must be placed in the wealth area when used domestically.
For business establishments, shops, stores and offices, Maneki Neko can be placed at the entrance that is visible to the people entering the office or the store. If such a location is not possible, Maneki Neko must be placed in the north eastern area of the office or shop.
For people using Maneki Neko in their homes, the fortune cat must be placed in the south eastern corner of the house which is traditionally associated with the wealth area. For people having a home office, Maneki Neko must be placed as close to the office as possible preferably in a southeast corner.
