Throughout history, animals have been seen as symbols of good fortune, protection, and prosperity. In many cultures, certain creatures are thought to bring luck when the new year begins, whether it’s through rituals, superstitions, or ancient beliefs passed down through generations.
These beliefs reflect a deep connection between humans and animals. Whether you believe in these traditions or not, it’s fascinating to explore how different cultures honor animals as harbingers of luck, blessings, and a fresh start in the new year.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from cultural, historical, and mythological sources. Beliefs about animals and luck vary widely by region and culture. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
The Chinese Zodiac Cycle Shapes Annual Fortune
Each year in the Chinese calendar corresponds to one of twelve animals, and people born under that sign supposedly share its characteristics. The zodiac animal influences everything from personality traits to career choices and relationship compatibility.
Families prepare special decorations featuring the year’s animal, believing it will attract positive energy. Red paper cutouts of pigs, dragons, or tigers adorn homes and businesses throughout the celebration.
This ancient system continues to guide millions of people in their daily decisions and long-term planning.
Pigs Represent Wealth
Germanic cultures have long associated pigs with prosperity because these animals were valuable assets for farming families. Owning pigs meant having food security and tradeable goods throughout the year.
Many Germans exchange marzipan pig figurines on New Year’s Eve as tokens of good wishes. The phrase “Schwein haben” literally means “to have pig” but translates to being lucky.
Austrian and Scandinavian communities share similar customs, often serving pork dishes at midnight feasts. These meals symbolize hope for financial stability in the months ahead.
Roosters Guard Against Evil Spirits
The legendary Galo de Barcelos tells of a rooster that crowed to prove an innocent man’s claims, saving him from execution. This Portuguese tale transformed the rooster into a national symbol of faith and justice.
Colourful ceramic rooster figurines appear in homes during New Year celebrations as protective talismans. Their presence supposedly wards off negative influences and invites honest dealings.
Portuguese immigrants have carried this tradition worldwide, making the distinctive rooster a recognizable emblem. The bright colours and bold patterns represent optimism for fresh opportunities.
Fish Scales Symbolize Silver Coins
Eating fish on New Year’s Day is considered fortunate in cultures ranging from Japan to Poland because scales resemble precious metal currency. The shimmering appearance connects these aquatic creatures to material wealth.
Japanese families serve tai (sea bream) for its auspicious name, which sounds like the word for celebration. Polish tradition dictates keeping a fish scale in your wallet throughout the year.
Southern United States customs include serving whole fish to ensure prosperity flows in both directions. The practice reflects universal human desires for economic security.
White Doves Carry Messages
Releasing doves during New Year festivities represents letting go of past troubles and embracing peaceful intentions. These birds have symbolized purity and divine favour across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures for centuries.
Their white feathers and graceful flight make them ideal messengers for hopeful prayers. Many communities organize coordinated releases where dozens of doves take flight simultaneously.
The practice connects ancient religious symbolism with modern celebrations of new beginnings. Watching the birds soar upward creates a powerful visual metaphor for rising above difficulties.
Horses Embody Strength
Mongolian and Kazakh nomadic traditions honour horses as essential partners in survival and success. The animal’s power to carry people across vast distances made it synonymous with progress and achievement.
New Year celebrations often include horse races and equestrian displays to invoke the creature’s vigorous spirit. Families may hang horseshoes above doorways or display horse figurines prominently.
The connection between horses and good fortune reflects these cultures’ historical dependence on animal partnerships. Respecting the horse means respecting the forces that enable human advancement.
Elephants Bring Wisdom
Hindu and Buddhist traditions revere elephants for their intelligence, memory, and calm presence. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, removes obstacles and grants blessings for new ventures.
Families place elephant statues near entrances with trunks raised upward to channel positive energy inward. The positioning matters greatly, as downward trunks supposedly drain luck away instead.
Thai and Sri Lankan New Year rituals include elephant parades and temple offerings. These magnificent creatures represent the strength needed to overcome challenges while maintaining grace.
Crickets Promise Abundance
Chinese and Vietnamese households traditionally keep crickets because their chirping suggests a lively, prosperous home. The constant sound indicates vitality and guards against loneliness or stagnation.
Small decorated cages house these insects, and their presence supposedly multiplies good fortune. The louder and more frequent the cricket sings, the better the luck predicted.
This custom dates back centuries when agricultural societies depended on understanding insect behaviour for crop success. The cricket’s song became a comforting promise of nature’s generosity and continuity.
