TOKYO, JAPAN - A temple in Tokyo has officially become a home to more than one thousand beckoning cat statues, in a bid to bring much good luck to its grounds and surroundings.
These red and white figurines are called Maneki-Neko, which literally means ‘beckoning cat’ in Japanese. They were put up on display at the Goutoku Temple in the country’s capital on January 26, reports the People’s Daily Online.
These lucky charms are normally displayed at the entrance of shops and restaurants across south-east Asia welcoming good fortune, happiness, purity and positive things to come.
Lucky charm: Thousands of these lucky cats were put on display at the Goutoku Temple on January 26 in Japan’s capital city Tokyo
Beckoning cats: A visitor looks at the Maneki-Neko figurines on display at the famous Japanese Temple were thousands are on display
Prosperity: They are often displayed at the entrance to shops and restaurants but Goutoku Temple goes one step further with this display
The unique Goutoku Temple is highly well known for its large collection of beckoning cats residing inside it, as well as its stunning architecture and history.
Maneki-Neko’s are adorable sculptures usually ceramic. They are very popular fortune cats which sit on their back legs with one arm raised as if they are waving at people. Some of them have arms that physically wave up and down, they are believed to bring happiness and prosperity to all those who display them.
According to catster.com, these lucky little cats first appeared during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. There are a number of popular legends about the origins of the feline statue.
Heavenly: Unique Goutoku Temple is well known for its large collection of cats residing inside it, as well as its stunning architecture
Happiness: Beckoning cats are usually white and red but sometimes gold, they are impeccably dressed, with a bell attached to their collars
Legend: Maneki-Neko’s first appeared during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, along with a number of legends about their origin
Then suddenly he saw the temple priest’s cat beckoning to him to follow, so he did. As soon as he left the tree it was immediately struck by lightning, saving the lord’s life.
The wealthy lord became friends with the priest at the temple, and when the cat died the first Maneki-Neko was made in his honour to make sure the temple was prosperous and lucky.
They are usually impeccably dressed, with a bell attached to their collars in white and red, but sometimes they are even gold to bring in wealth to their owner.
Stunning: Thousands of Maneki Neko’s, which in Japanese means ‘beckoning cat.’ Their paws are raised as if it’s waving in good fortune
Good fortune: Popular Maneki-Neko’s are displayed at the Goutoku Temple in the Japanese capital city Tokyo on January 26