Why you should not display the prosperity cat…

by ParisB on January 24, 2008

Whilst browsing the city for bright red and gold gaudy Chinese New Year decorations, I realised that I was seeing many decorations featuring the Maneki Neko or Prosperity Cat. You know that little Japanese cat that waves at you as you enter a shop? The idea behind displaying the Prosperity Cat is to bring in prosperity. The cat is waving in good luck and business into your store/office.

During the Chinese New Year, it is not uncommon to find this cat featured on decorations or sold as decorative pieces whether with a waving arm or static raised arm.

But, why shouldn’t you display the prosperity cat (Maneki Neko) this coming Lunar New Year?

Because its the Lunar Year of the RAT!!!

why no neko

Which self-respecting rat will enter a premises once it sees a CAT waving at it from the front door?!?!

Add to that the fact that the cat is not even one of the signs of the Chinese Zodiac because it failed to make it to Buddha’s side after being conned by the rat. That is one of the fables behind why the cat always chases the rat – it is pissed off till today at its missed opportunity and so tries to take its revenge when it can.

So, will you be displaying the Prosperity Cat this year? Me? I’m taking no chances and am hiding all signs of cats, prosperity bringing or no – I want the rat to bring in my gold nuggets, not run away! :)

{ 13 comments }

beetrice January 24, 2008 at 12:30 pm

This is just too funny… :D

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Andie Summerkiss January 24, 2008 at 2:34 pm

I know!! I just did a post on it a couple of days ago and LB brought it to my attention. Quickly I hid it in my closet. Not good! The year of the Rat is my precious year, so I don’t want it to scare my lucky golden rat away! :p

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Andie Summerkiss January 24, 2008 at 2:41 pm

BTW, my florist just called. She said they will be selling pussy willow RM 48 for 10 stalks!

Outrageous, isn’t it

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Giddy Tigress January 24, 2008 at 2:53 pm

Bye bye kitty cat!

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ParisB January 24, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Beetrice: :) Glad you approve!

Andie: Teehee… I read your post. Better not encourage people to place it at their houses this year! And RM48 for 10 stalks is way way too expensive! Maybe get fakes? They’ll last year after year ;)

GT: Buh-bye!

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LB January 24, 2008 at 3:04 pm

Hahaha, oh yeah… I remember Andie’s post! :-)
Viva the Rat! Mickey rulez! Minnie too!! And Ratatouille, and the three blind mice..

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pelf January 24, 2008 at 9:58 pm

You mean you BOUGHT A PROSPERITY CAT?!
My! That cat should be banned!
LOL.

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pablopabla January 25, 2008 at 11:25 am

Wauahahahahahaha! That’s the best joke for the season!

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kyh January 27, 2008 at 12:26 am

ratatouille comes to me! will have it cook all my CNY dishes… yum mum mum…

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may January 27, 2008 at 5:51 am

hmmm, maybe this year the cat and rat can be friends? heheh!

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Sesame January 27, 2008 at 7:25 am

Good one…never thought about it. Must go hide my prosperity cat, even though it’s tinier than my finger.

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ParisB January 27, 2008 at 11:10 pm

LB: LOL at the three blind mice

pelf: Oh no I didn’t but if I did, I’d hide it pronto!

pablo: hehe… but true wot

kyh: After he’s done at my house you mean?

May: You reckon?

Sesame: Maybe tiny prosperity cats wont scare away rats?

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babyfiona January 29, 2008 at 9:05 pm

No worry leh, Now they have the prosperity rats on the rack for sell!! No joke! I seeing them everywhere! same colour same stylo.

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