Int
roduction: 招财猫(Zhāo cái māo)，a traditional Chinese ornament, is believed to bring good fortune and wealth to its owners. It is a common sight in many Chinese households and businesses, where it is placed on shelves, tables, or window sills, with its paw raised in a beckoning gesture. In this article, we will explore the origins and symbolism of the Maneki Neko or "beckoning cat" and answer the question: How many Maneki Neko can you have? The Origin of Maneki Neko: The Maneki Neko is said to have originated in Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The story goes that a wealthy feudal lord was caught in a thunderstorm and took shelter under a tree outside of a temple. There, he saw a cat beckoning him with its paw. Intrigued, he followed the cat into the temple, which turned out to be the temple of Gotoku-ji in Tokyo. As soon as he entered the temple, lightning struck the tree where he had been sheltering, and he realized that the cat had saved his life. From that day on, the cat became a symbol of good luck and fortune. Symbolism of Maneki Neko: In Chinese culture, the symbol of the cat is associated with wealth and good fortune. It is believed that the cat's raised paw is a sign of beckoning good fortune and prosperity into one's life. The color of the cat's fur is also significant, with white representing purity and clarity, and black symbolizing protection and warding off evil. How Many Maneki Neko Can You Have? The answer to this question depends on personal preference and the space available. There are no strict rules on the number of Maneki Neko you can have in your home or business. Some people prefer to have a single Maneki Neko, while others collect multiple ones, creating a small army of beckoning cats. Some people choose to place multiple Maneki Neko in different locations, with each cat serving a specific purpose. For example, one might place a black Maneki Neko near the entrance of their home or business to ward off evil spirits, and a white one in the living room or shop to attract good fortune and prosperity. Some people collect Maneki Neko of different sizes, with small ones for personal use and large ones for display purposes. Conclusion: In conclusion, the Maneki Neko is a beloved symbol of good luck and fortune in Chinese culture, and its popularity has spread around the world. While there are no strict rules on the number of Maneki Neko you can have, it is up to personal preference and the size of the space available. Whether you choose to have one Maneki Neko or an army of them, their beckoning gesture is sure to bring good fortune and prosperity into your home or business.