Posted on 07/11/2019 3:05:29 AM PDT by C19fan
Traditional Japanese lore states that during the 17th-century Edo period, a cat rescued a feudal lord from a dangerous thunderstorm by inviting him inside Tokyo’s Gotokuji Temple with a waving gesture. To show this thoughtful feline his gratitude, the tale continues, the lord, who belonged to Japan’s powerful Ii clan, became a benefactor of the Buddhist temple and vowed to maintain its prosperity. Today, the Gotokuji Temple is cited as the birthplace of maneki-neko, or “beckoning cat.” The charming figurine has become a symbol of good luck throughout Japan. Its popularity later extended to China too, which is why it’s not uncommon to find maneki-neko displays in Japanese and Chinese establishments in Asia and around the world. However, at the ancient Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo, the sacred grounds act as a shrine to this legendary feline.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
I have an entire collection of Maneki-neko. All from the Japan pavilion at Disneyworld. It became kind of an annual tradition at one time.
CC
In America, it’s, “You lucky dog,” in Japan, “You lucky cat.” Go figure.
If they’re waving at you in China, they really are lucky!
The cat’s in the kettle at the Peking Moon.
Well, that’s one way to rake in the money.
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