If you have ever been to a sushi bar or Chinese restaurant you have seen Maneki Neko. Maneki Neko means “beckoning cat” in Japanese. I always thought it was called Sushi Cat. Some of my friends call it Lucky Cat. It sort of reminds me of a meerkat. But what is it?
Maneki Neko is a cat statue with one raised paw welcoming good luck, customers and prosperity into Japanese and Chinese restaurants or stores and homes. Maneki Neko originated in the 17th century in Japan. As is often the case with these things there are several different versions of how it all started. It is usually because some shop was about to close for lack of business when suddenly a cat starting hanging out in front and customers started coming. Or there is my favorite where a wealthy feudal lord known as Ii Naotaka was taking shelter beneath the branches of a tree near Gōtoku-ji temple in Tokyo during a thunderstorm. The lord saw the temple priest’s cat beckoning to him so he went to the cat and just a moment later the tree was struck by lightning. The wealthy man quickly became friends with the poor priest and the temple soon became prosperous. It is said that when the cat died, the first Maneki Neko was made in his honor.
Here’s where a little more confusion comes in. Maneki Neko is known as “beckoning cat” because the Japanese beckoning gesture is made by holding up the hand, palm out, and repeatedly folding the fingers down and back up. As well, some say the left paw raised brings in customers while a right paw brings good luck and wealth and some people say the opposite.
Then there is the issue of color and size and whether one paw is higher than the other and if the paws move or not. (Side note- At Las Vegas Chinatown Plaza I saw some Maneki Neko that where solar powered! The times they are a changin’ since that day at Gotoku-ji temple.)
Due to the popularity of Maneki Neko in Chinese restaurants and shops in Chinatowns thoughout America, many people believe it to be Chinese. Nope. Like Hello Kitty it was just adopted by everybody.
You can understand why right? I mean, whenever I see Maneki Neko the lucky beckoning sushi cat all I can do is smile…and come into the shop and spend some cash.
Do you have a Maneki Neko in your home, office or shop? What term do you use? Tell us about it.
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