We've
all seen Shilpa Shetty wear watches on both wrists during matches of
her IPL team or heard how his blue sapphire helped Amitabh Bachchan
bounce back when his career was going downhill. Even Lord of the Rings
star, Cate Blanchett, has her elf ears stashed away safely for good
luck. But why only celebs; all of us have our little good-luck secrets,
don't we? And what could be better than a lucky charm that's
eco-friendly as well? Yes, we are talking about lucky plants -the ones
that supposedly radiate positive energy and attract good fortune,
happiness and prosperity .
There was a time when most of these
plants were region-specific, like the good old Tulsi adorning Indian
courtyards, but of late, it has become a global trend. You will find
miniature bamboo shoots in every other Indian household or office,
sitting quietly in a corner and auguring good fortune for its owner.
So, here's a list of some plants and herbs considered lucky around the world. Pic your charm...
PEACE LILY
This dark green plant with gorgeous bright white flowers helps you
prosper by improving the indoor air quality. It also helps prevent
asthma, headaches, chronic illnesses, cancer and more. The peace lily
does all that simply by sitting pretty in your home. It can clean out
formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide from the ambient air, apart
from other fumes like cigarette smoke, paint, furniture fumes etc.
CACTUS
The Aztecs of central Mexico consider a flowering cactus auspicious.
According to them, a blooming cactus flower symbolizes good luck and its
owner can expect good news immediately.According to the legends, the
gods of sun and war had promised Aztec priests that one day, someone
would spot an eagle perched on a cactus and holding a snake. This would
mean that they had found their home. And it supposedly happened! Aztecs
hurried to the swampy shore of a lake to see this wonderful sight and as
they watched, the cactus grew into an island, which became their new
home.
MONEY PLANT
Often used in Feng Shui, a money plant is said to produce a positive
energy flow that attracts good luck and fortune.In China, the money
plant is traditionally given as a New Year gift. But there's a catch:
The plant's shoot must always point upward for it to bring you wealth.
Also, according to popular belief, owners get richer if the plant is
propagated using stolen branches (cuttings). On the downside, the person
from whom the clippings are stolen, supposedly stands to lose wealth.
BAMBOO SHOOTS
A bundle of green bamboo shoots tied together with a red ribbon -this
popular Chinese good luck charm is quite a rage in India. The more the
stalks, luckier the bundle. The mantra is -two for love, three for
happiness, longevity and wealth, four for solidarity and oneness in the
family, five or eight for wealth, six or nine for luck and good fortune,
seven for good health, and 21 stalks for heavenly blessings.
HERBS TULSIBASIL
It holds both mythological and religious significance for Hindus.
Believed to be Lord Krishna's wife, it's considered pure and holy, and
also has medicinal properties. Tulsi leaves are often used to purify
food and water. It is also offered to the gods during prayers. Supposed
to ward off negative energy from your home, it is also credited with
helping people achieve FINANCIAL success.And, if you grow your own basil
and use it to flavour your food, it is said to awaken passion in anyone
who eats it. Want to give it a try?
ROSEMARY
It's said to increase brain power, attract love and encourage lust.
Rosemary relaxes your mind and keeps you youthful. It helps in healing,
protection and purification.
SAGE
It represents immortality, longevity and wisdom. Sage is associated
with granting of wishes and is used in rites common to many religions
and cultures.
FLOWERING PLANTS JASMINE
Known as one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs, jasmine helps keep
romance alive. It is believed to attract love, MONEY and prophetic
dreams.
LAVENDER
Lavender is known for its mood-elevating and calming properties. Its
scent is said to bring a sense of inner peace. Applying lavender oil on
your forehead and behind your ears alleviates headaches and improves
sleep. Allegedly, it's also supposed to help one attract men -and see
ghosts! So, all the ghostbusters out there, now you know what to do.
ORCHIDS
Orchids are meant to attract love, deepen friendships and help soothe
the soul. Ancient Greeks used to associate orchids with fertility and
virility.
HONEYSUCKLE
Apparently, having honeysuckle at home improves finances. Its smell is
believed to sharpen one's intuition. Some also believe that placing
crushed flowers next to one's forehead boosts PSYCHIC powers.
ROSES
Roses are believed to attract love and luck.Moreover, different colours
exude specific energies. For instance, white roses purify and heal,
while a white rose with red markings symbolizes devotion and passion. On
the other hand, peach roses bring peace, spirituality and friendship,
lavender ones can be used to enhance spirituality in life, pink variants
attract romance while red attracts true love. Fuchsia roses are meant
to express deep love and acceptance of your body -fat or slim, doesn't
matter.