Welcoming Lucky Money Cat

Maneki Neko

Solar Powered; No Batteries Needed ..........

As far back as 5000 years ago, the Cat has symbolised prosperity and protection for various cultures.

The Cat was seen as a symbol of prosperity because it protected the grain from the rats, in ancient Egypt and Sudan.

The maneki-neko is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. The figurine depicts a cat beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed in—often at the entrance of—shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses. Some of the sculptures are electric or battery-powered and have a slow-moving paw beckoning. It is also sometimes called the "Chinese lucky cat" because of its popularity among Chinese merchants.

In Japan, one of the stories about Maneki Neko is that a cat used to sit in front of the Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo, and held up its paw to beckon people in. The temple still exists today and cat lovers go there to pray for the good health of their pets. This is just one of the many stories about Maneki Neko.

In Thailand, the Goddess Nang Kwok also has her hand raised like the Maneki Neko, to symbolise protection and abundance.

You can place this delightful Welcoming Cat at your home or business entrance to invite your guests in and to show hospitality.