The Maneki-Neko, also known as the beckoning cat, welcoming cat, lucky cat, and happy cat, is a statue that is commonly found at the entrances of businesses all around Asia and in Asian communities across the globe. It is a symbol that is associated with bringing good luck and fortune. However, the cat has its origins in Japan, and its history is steeped in folklore and legend.
The origins of the Maneki-Neko can be traced back to the Edo period in Japan’s history, which lasted from 1603 to 1867. There are two origin stories associated with the cat, both of which are set in Tokyo. The first story is based on the Gotoku-Ji Temple, where a temple cat named Tama is said to have saved the life of a Damiyo (the ruler of the region) or Samurai during a rainstorm. The cat beckoned the man into the temple, and just as he cleared the tree, a lightning bolt struck the spot where he was standing. To honor Tama, the Damiyo erected a shrine for the cat at the temple. Today, the temple and the Maneki-Neko are closely associated with each other, and visitors can purchase statues of the cat at the shrine.
The second origin story is based on the Imado Shrine in Tokyo. According to the legend, an older woman who lived in Imado with her beloved cat was too poor to provide for her pet and let it go. That evening, the cat appeared to her in a dream and promised her riches and fortune if she created statues in its image. The woman obliged and began producing dolls of her cat from earthenware pottery, which she sold at the shrine’s gates. The dolls became an instant hit, and the cat’s promise to its owner quickly came true. The Imado Shrine still upholds this legend, and the Maneki-Neko is closely associated with it.
Maneki-Neko figurines and depictions date back to the 18th century, with records of their existence at the Brooklyn Museum. However, the cat’s popularity grew in the 19th century, when businesses in Japan began sporting its image in their entryways. The Meiji period (1867-1912) saw the Japanese government ban phallic statues and other crude works, and institutions began displaying the Maneki-Neko statues outside and in their entryways to attract luck and prosperity. This practice spread to other communities and eventually reached other Asian countries.
In the late 20th century, the Maneki-Neko became a global symbol of austerity. Japan’s contribution to pop culture and video games became famous during this period, and the cat received a lot of attention. The Maneki-Neko has its place in the world’s new appreciation of Japan, with the famous Pokemon character Meowth being a Maneki-Neko.
The Maneki-Neko’s color, pose, and accessories hold different meanings. The calico Japanese Bobtail cat is usually depicted as sitting or standing with one or both paws up, which can attract many customers, bring good luck and great fortune, or ward off evil. The color of the Maneki-Neko can symbolize different things, with white representing positivity and purity, gold representing prosperity and wealth, and black symbolizing protection against evil.
The Maneki-Neko is an essential part of Japanese and Asian culture and is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The cat’s history is steeped in legend and folklore and has evolved over time to become a global symbol. The Maneki-Neko’s popularity continues to grow, and its legacy remains a fascinating aspect of Japanese culture.
