superstition abounds. (especially in the land where i came from, that to even fart or burp at a certain time meant something. i keep telling my people it's their diet and they just pooh-pooh me! and that they probably have a lot of gas.) in many ethnic homes, you will find good luck charms and ornaments and the more popular of those is the elephant. the elephant is said to be one of the wisest of all animals and probably even the wisest.
it is said that elephant ornaments bring good luck to anyone who possesses it and brings you more good luck if it was gifted and more especially if the gift was given with heartfelt sincerity (i made up that last one).
i have three elephant ornaments at home. two are shown here, the third one is dirty and is not photogenic anyway. the bigger elephant (hahaha!) used to sit in partner's mother's living room window. i rescued it from being thrown away when i told partner it's supposed to bring good luck so he acquiesced to us keeping it. the green one was a gift, probably with heartfelt sincerity, from partner's ex-girlfriend. their relationship did not end up on a good note that's why i was (very) surprised when she gave me this jade elephant for my birthday a long time ago.
i haven't won the lottery so i don't know where that good luck will come from. maybe it's too small to haul in any good luck. oh, well, i do have my health. the doctor said i am as healthy as an elephant.
I've got a few elephant statues -- did not realize they were good luck or wise! Just always liked them. Nice composition. (no chasing robbers or detective work today???) ;)
@olivetreeann - thank you, ann. glad you liked it. was going to take sneak shots of people walking their dogs but it's pissing rain here. isn't it amazing how a lot of your stuff at home get photographed these days?
Beautiful comp, summerfield. Lovely colors and pov. I love elephants . . they are the most gorgeous and gentle beasts. I don't know about the myths, but I do believe that man has mistreated these wonderful animals and it saddens me. I truly love them . . and maybe they are good luck.
@summerfield I had planned to stalk the squirrels for this shot and then I remembered Jane! Hooray- I didn't have to wait for the squirrels to show up or photograph some little animal knick-knack!
You're so funny! Thank you for the big grin on my face. 8D These elephants are cute! I remember very clearly how, one afternoon in South Africa, an elephant wandered onto our camp grounds. The ranger motioned for us to crouch down, as close to the ground as possible, and to stay dead still and quiet, so that we didn't spook him. I was quite awe-struck, to be that close to a wild elephant. And I need to thank you for the trip down memory lane!
i have heard this also, but that they are only lucky if you place them facing east. superstitions are funny, aren't they? always a little bit different, something added or taken away. my elephant is blue and white.
@pandorasecho - thank you, dixie. some ethnic culture says it's lucky when the trunk is up, others say it's lucky when the trunk is down. others say, don't buy it, it should be given. i say, whatever you believe in, right?
@myautofocuslife - glad i can make you smile, livia. thank you, too. but what if you're lying down still and the elephant walks on you? ay yah!
@catsmeowb - thank you, camille. yes, i heard that, too, as well as pointing west, pointing north, etc. yours sounds interesting!
Beautiful pieces. I was just looking for one today to take a picture of, as strange as that may seem. Never knew that about Elephants. Luck is a fickle, strange thing isn't it?
@olivetreeann - i got the part of the window dusted, for sure! hahaha! thanks again.
@bkbinthecity - thank you, brian. and in that case, when you're stuck at home and needs a photo, you can shoot the elephant. with your camera.
@myautofocuslife - glad i can make you smile, livia. thank you, too. but what if you're lying down still and the elephant walks on you? ay yah!
@catsmeowb - thank you, camille. yes, i heard that, too, as well as pointing west, pointing north, etc. yours sounds interesting!
@losthorizon - thank you, beau. luch is fickle and strange, indeed.