The Language of Good Luck Charms

As was the case with flowers at the time, a whole language of good luck charms (porte bonheur) emerged and reached its height of popularity in the late 19th and early 20th century.

The charms included: four-leaf clovers (luck); hearts (love); ladybugs (good luck), the number 13 (longevity/joy), dice (gambler’s luck), magnets (silver/wealth), pigs (prosperity), fish (peace), shoes (health), downward-facing hamsa (wealth), horseshoes (fidelity), pansies (remembrance), white elephants (happiness), white rats (crazy love), lice? (happiness), anchors (hope), and horns (joy).

Please explore and enjoy the gallery of vintage postcards and other images below.