招待猫祈求千客来A4图纸.doc

MANEKI NEKO(Lucky cat)The Maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, is a widely recognizable figure,beloved in Japan as a lucky cat that beckons good fortune. Most people inJapan use similar gestures to beckon someone over, by waving their handsup and down with their palms facing down.There are various theories about the origin of the Maneki-neko and, eventoday, no one is certain as to which explanation is the correct one. TheManeki-neko is believed to have originated towards the end of the EdoPeriod (1603-1867) and eventually developed into the decorativeornament it is today. Folklore has it that the raised paw of the Maneki-nekohas meaning. The raised left paw is believed to attract people(customers), and the figurines can be seen displayed in many shops withthe hope of achieving a thriving business.Many of the older varieties of Maneki-neko have their left paw raised, andmost of these are seen with a gold bell on the collar or with a small goldcoin, called a koban, on the collar. Written on the koban are the wordsFuku (good fortune) and Fukuju (good fortune and longevity).Perhaps the idea that beckoning many people draws good fortune waseventually reflected on the words on the koban.COLLAR 1HEADHEADCOLLAR 2HEADHEADBeckoning peopleHEAD (Front)COLLAREYESCOLLARMUZZLEMUZEEYESEYESADt)HEAD (Back)3EAR (Right)HEAD(Frt)HEAD(Front)EAR (Left)KOBANKAIUN KOBAN(GOOD LUCK COIN)SHOFUKU KOBAN(FORTUNE COIN)4PLAIN KOBAN(PLAIN COIN)If you want to make a wish,write it here and glue it onto the cat!ARM (Left) 1ARM (Left) 2ARM(Left)1eft) 2SHOULDER(Right)KOBANFUKUJU KOBAN(GOOD FORTUNE AND LONGEVITY COIN)BELLYKOBANKOBAN6SIDE OF