Maneki-neko is a Japanese lucky charm of a cat and is also called “beckoning cat” in English. Today it is well known in many countries all over the world and is found in stores and businesses. Maneki means an “invitation” and neko is a “cat” in Japanese. It is called maneki-neko because the cat’s grooming pose when it holds up its paw to its ear resembles an inviting gesture in Japanese culture. People say a maneki-neko that raises its right paw will bring money and one that raises its left paw will bring customers/people. The higher the paw rises, the more luck it will bring. A maneki-neko usually holds a gold coin in its other paw for more luck attracting money. People say that a white maneki-neko will bring happiness, a black one will protect you from misfortune, a red one will bring good health, a pink one will bring romance, and a calico will bring fortune. Furthermore, a maneki-neko with eyes of two different colors is supposed to bring even more money because such a cat is rare in real life.
One last thing: In Japan people say that September 29th is the day of maneki-neko.
