For My Cat Lover Friends

[jmhester]

I'm sure all of you have seen the "Lucky Cat" especially if you've traveled to the orient. If not here is what one looks like:

I have a little black and white kitty that waves at me to let her in the house so I especially like this story. Anyway, for all you cat lovers on here, this is the legend of the Maneki Neko (the welcoming cat).

Maneki Neko -- The Legend

This is the legend of the Maneki Neko:

In the 17th century, there was a rundown and poverty-stricken temple in Tokyo. The temple's priest was very poor, but he shared what little food he had with his pet cat, Tama.

One day, a wealthy and important man was caught in a storm while hunting and he took refuge under a big tree near the temple. While he waited for the storm to pass, the man noticed a cat beckoning him to come inside the temple gate. This was so startling that he left the shelter of the tree to have a closer look at this unusual cat. At that moment, the tree was struck by lighting.

As a result, the wealthy man became friends with the poor priest, and the temple became prosperous. The priest and his cat never went hungry again.

When Tama died he was buried in the Goutokuji Temple's cat cemetery with respect and love, and the Maneki Neko was made in honor of him. A Maneki Neko in your place of business, your home or on your website is said to bring in good luck and visitors.

Maneki Neko is Japanese for "beckoning cat." The message he's holding says "Please come in. You are welcome!" and he is beckoning you with his paw . (In Japan, the gesture of beckoning is pretty much the reverse of the gesture used in the West.)

[GDub]

Nice Jmhester, I'm a cat person too. I have a little black cat that does his own version of the wave, it's more like a 2 handed begging motion, similar to a dog. I may have to try and post a video of him sometime.

Edited January 19, 2010 by GDub

[BirdDog]

I have the gold colored cat with the movable arm. It sits on my desk by a window. Maybe I should try moving it closer to the door. I love this kitty, it just smiles at me all day. Thanks for posting the story.

[kitsune]

I love that story !!!! Thanks for sharing it

[SmokinHammer]

I'd reply, but I can't right now.

Edited January 19, 2010 by SmokinHammer

[jmhester]

I'd reply, but I can't right now.

That looks just like my "Spotty"!

[nana]

I'm sure all of you have seen the "Lucky Cat" especially if you've traveled to the orient. If not here is what one looks like:

I have a little black and white kitty that waves at me to let her in the house so I especially like this story. Anyway, for all you cat lovers on here, this is the legend of the Maneki Neko (the welcoming cat).

Maneki Neko -- The Legend

This is the legend of the Maneki Neko:

In the 17th century, there was a rundown and poverty-stricken temple in Tokyo. The temple's priest was very poor, but he shared what little food he had with his pet cat, Tama.

One day, a wealthy and important man was caught in a storm while hunting and he took refuge under a big tree near the temple. While he waited for the storm to pass, the man noticed a cat beckoning him to come inside the temple gate. This was so startling that he left the shelter of the tree to have a closer look at this unusual cat. At that moment, the tree was struck by lighting.

As a result, the wealthy man became friends with the poor priest, and the temple became prosperous. The priest and his cat never went hungry again.

When Tama died he was buried in the Goutokuji Temple's cat cemetery with respect and love, and the Maneki Neko was made in honor of him. A Maneki Neko in your place of business, your home or on your website is said to bring in good luck and visitors.

Maneki Neko is Japanese for "beckoning cat." The message he's holding says "Please come in. You are welcome!" and he is beckoning you with his paw . (In Japan, the gesture of beckoning is pretty much the reverse of the gesture used in the West.)

I'd never heard that before. What a cute story. Thanks for sharing it with all of us, jmhester.

[nana]

I'd reply, but I can't right now.

AWWWWWWWW!! How adorable.

[snubber]

Hey...thanks for the story. I've seen these cats in resturants before but never knew why until now.

Thank you

[variven]

Ty JM,I have 5 cats I'll have to tell them about this kitty !!! Lol Smokin I know the feeling !