The beckoning cat (maneki neko) is found in Japan and China and carries a secret message. It is the ultimate symbol of prosperity and good luck.
Red cats protect from illness.
Black cats ward off evil.
Gold cats bring good fortune.
Pink cats bring love.
If the right paw is raised it means money and happiness at home and work.
If the left paw is raised it means new customers for business.
If both paws are raised, it is the jackpot of luck!
What is the origin of the beckoning cat, you ask?
All About Japan says: Around 1620, Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, was in a terrible state due to the financial problems that plagued it. One day, on the way home from a bird hunting trip, a samurai lord from Hikone province named Naotaka Ii saw a cat in the temple waving with its paw, so he decided to take a break. Suddenly, it started raining, and soon powerful thunder joined in as well. Lord Ii was so pleased at avoiding a drenching that he donated a large sum of money to the temple afterwards. The remodeled Gotokuji Temple thereafter became a guardian temple for the Ii family. Later, a big Maneki Neko statue was built at the temple, and the small version started being sold as a souvenir.
Feng Shui has taken the beckoning cat to the next level, giving tips on which way to face the cat to bring money in. There are youtubes that tell you how.
Additional information on the colors from here.
Calico: Traditional color combination, considered to be the luckiest
White: Happiness, purity and positive things to come
Green: Good health
The link also has information about the varying things the beckoning cat wears and holds. Most all of it is linked to good fortune and wealth, but if the cat holds a marble or a gem it is to represent wisdom.
Tao Talk 
Love this 🐱
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:)
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I noticed you mentioned “Golden Cat” under your “Beckoning Cat.” I have other golden things for “C” though not the cat. Now, I may need to discover more.
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Interesting! And the cats are cute
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Glad you find it interesting :)
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As a gift, my Japanese Sister in law gave me a white cat, and a black cat, and my friend a few years ago gave me a golden cat. What does the white cat stand for?
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“Happiness, purity, and positive things to come” You are blessed alone by loved ones giving you these gifts :)
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Brilliant!👏👏
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Thanks Richa :)
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Huh… Who knew? Not me! A pink cat? Hmmm…
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Dragons hold pearls, too, don’t they?
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Yes, I think the Dragonball Z cartoon animates the idea of the pearls. I don’t know much about it, but I’m sure you are right.
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I knew what the cats symbolized but I never knew their origin story. Great post!
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Thank you!
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I loved this post. I might be more of a dog person, but I surely enjoy folktales about cats (and folktales in general).
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Thanks Melfka. I like both. Just got a cat after being cat-free for 20+ years (what was I thinking?? j/k) but have had dogs all of my life up until 2016 when my dog passed on. No heart to get another one after that :( Glad you are enjoying the folk tales :)
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Ouch… My condolences. I know the heartache is as big as a family member passing.
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I really like the story of the beckoning cat! There was a thing on some TV show telling about it the other day, too. Good to know what the different colors and the way the paws are facing mean. :)
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It was a fun one to research :)
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Oh, I love the coloring page! So fun you’re finding them to go along with your posts for A to Z!
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I need to try to find more, more pages and more time :)
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