The Lucky Loonie: Luck and Tradition in Canada

With Canada’s rich history and influence from other countries in its past, our country now has a strong set of traditions and lucky charms (not the cereal on this occasion) that bring positivity. Whether it’s annual celebrations that have become a staple part of the year or objects that have a symbolic meaning behind them, fellow Canadians, here is just a small selection of traditions and lucky charms you should have in your life!

christmas. What better way to start the traditions than with Christmas? Celebrated all over the world, Canada knows how to do Christmas. The festivities are unique because they can vary depending on your location and your heritage. Wherever you go, you are bound to find different types of Christmas celebrations, such as English, French, German, and Inuit, which really does give Canada an interesting and culturally diverse festive tradition. From food, gift-giving, to singing and dancing, there is something for everyone during this popular time.

four-leaf clover. The four-leaf clover is a lucky sign not just for people in Ireland, but for people in Canada, too. The symbol is thought to bring luck in everyday lives, from well being to good fortune. If you feel like you could do with a little more fortune in your life, a lucky charm can always be used to increase your chance of, say, winning the lottery; in fact, gaming brand Lottoland recently mentioned nature’s favourite trinket in a blog post on lucky charms from around the world, along with the cat’s eye stone (India) and the tumi (Peru).

lucky loonie. There is one lucky charm that will always be Canadian: the Lucky Loonie. Ever since 2002’s Winter Olympics saw Canada’s men and women’s hockey teams win gold, the Lucky Loonie has become a widespread symbol of good luck. It is used in most major competitions, a recent one being the Rio Olympics, and there have been commemorative coins released. A lot of sports players now get given a loonie before competing and people will drop the coins into fountains for good luck.

horseshoes. A symbol of luck going back centuries, the horseshoe is still used in Canada today, mostly in rural parts. If you hang a horseshoe above the door, it is supposed to bring luck and protection to any person who enters the residence. This has developed from historical beliefs that iron is used to defeat evil spirits. There is a big question that remains for you to work out for yourself. There is a debate going on about which way the horseshoe should be hung. Some say that if the gap is at the top, then it collects luck, but others reckon you need to hang it downward, so that luck falls on anyone who enters the dwelling.

thanksgiving. October plays host to more than just Halloween. That’s right: it’s Thanksgiving. A traditional celebration to spend time with family, enjoy a delicious dinner, and be thankful for the harvest and other events of the year. There is so much to look forward to during Thanksgiving, from roast turkey, football, and parades. A truly joyous occasion. Unlike Christmas, there are only a few countries that celebrate Thanksgiving, including the U.S. and Canada, giving the holiday that extra-special feeling.

Well, there we have it, folks. A little look at the lucky charms and traditions that grace our country. No matter what area of Canada you live in, you are not short of luck, happiness and tradition. Let’s take pride in the celebrations and symbols of the Great White North, and enjoy the positivity that comes with them!