Clovers are tiny green plants. They usually have three leaves. Clovers with four leaves are extremely rare. Finding a four-leaf clover is thought to bring good luck in many countries. (Summer is the best time to search for one!)
Shutterstock.com
The Magical World of Good Luck Charms
Some people believe these special things bring good luck. Which is your favorite?
By Della Herden
From the March/April 2026 Issue
Featured Skill:
Knowledge Building,
Standards
The Magical World of Good Luck Charms
Four-Leaf Clovers
Ladybugs
Shutterstock.com
These beetles have been a good luck symbol for thousands of years. That’s likely because ladybugs help farmers by eating bugs that hurt plants. Some people think the number of spots on a ladybug’s wings equals the number of years of good luck coming your way!
Horseshoes
Horseshoes keep a horse’s feet safe and strong. Horseshoes were once made of iron, which was thought to keep away bad luck. Today some people hang a horseshoe above their door to try to bring good luck into their lives.
Rainbows
Shutterstock.com
Rainbows are considered a sign of good things to come. That could be because they typically follow a storm and suggest that nicer weather is on the way. According to legends told in Ireland, a pot of gold can be found at the end of every rainbow!
Chanchitos
Shutterstock.com
These tiny three-legged pigs are made from clay. People in Chile sometimes give them to loved ones to wish them happiness and good luck. (Chanchitos means “little pigs” in Spanish!)
Maneki-Nekos
Perov Stanislav/Alamy Stock Photo
These waving cat figurines are originally from Japan. They’re thought by some to bring wealth and success. In the U.S., you can find maneki-nekos (mah-neh-kee-neh-kohs) welcoming you into stores and restaurants.
Think and Write
Which of these lucky charms would you choose if you needed some luck? Write a paragraph explaining your choice using details from the infographic.
Text-to-Speech