If you are or have come to Japan, you could not escape this symbol present in all the shops: the Maneki-neko, cat statue raising the paw at the level of the ear. If for us, the cat seems to say goodbye, the gesture recalls the way we Japanese to "invite" hand palm forward, lowering and raising the fingers.
Japanese origin, the beast has spread throughout the rest of Asia, including China where it is equally represented. The Maneki Neko (literally "the cat who invites"), is so popular that it even has its party on September 29th.
As with all legends, there are many versions. The most famous and widespread is at the beginning of the Edo era (1603-1867).
A group of Samurai (or a monk according to the versions) passed a temple on the court of which sat a cat. As the Samurai stopped to rest, the cat greeted them with his paw, as if to ask them to approach. Intrigued, the Samurai approached. At that moment, the lightning fell to the exact spot where they were before. The cat had just saved their lives.
Very grateful, they donated to the temple that flourished. To remember the cat's gesture, Maneki-Neko was invented.
This temple, named Gotokuji, is located in Setagaya, West of Tokyo.
There are different versions of this statuette, whose meaning differs according to the color, and the attributes it bears. The Maneki-Neko is most often depicted wearing a red collar around the neck, to which are attached a bell and a kind of bib. These objects are reminiscent of what cats wore in the wealthy environments of the Edo era. It is also usually seen with a big gold coin (Koban) to bring the fortune.
The leg that he raises also has importance on the meaning.
- right paw: Attract money and fortune.
- left paw: Invite customers, or friends to come.
- 2 legs lifted: Protect the house, or business.
Even if most of the Maneki-neko are either tricolor or white, there are more colors according to the lucky charm you want:
- Tricolore: White with black and red spots (mike in Japanese) is the most popular. It is a rare color in Japanese Bobtails, making it the most powerful lucky charm.
- White: Second most represented color, it represents purity.
- Red: Spread the diseases.
- Black: Spreads the evil spirits.
- Blue: Improves health
- Golden: Brings wealth.
- Rose: Color traditionally associated with love, it is not a traditional color.
- Green: Associated with academic and academic success.
Today, the influence of Maneki-Neko is such that it is found in popular culture, especially in manga or animated where he inspires characters. The most famous and international example is of course Hello Kitty, whose name is a literal (and approximate) translation of the "Chat that invites".