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!!!
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! 
Some other Related posts:
- Vindictive Chinese Emperors and Chap Goh Meh musings
- Lucky Bamboo? Or maybe not?
- Cina Ah Moi!
- Tick tock Hickory Dock!
- Water Water Everywhere!
13 comments ↓
This is just too funny…
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
BTW, my florist just called. She said they will be selling pussy willow RM 48 for 10 stalks!
Outrageous, isn’t it
Bye bye kitty cat!
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!
Hahaha, oh yeah… I remember Andie’s post!
Viva the Rat! Mickey rulez! Minnie too!! And Ratatouille, and the three blind mice..
You mean you BOUGHT A PROSPERITY CAT?!
My! That cat should be banned!
LOL.
Wauahahahahahaha! That’s the best joke for the season!
ratatouille comes to me! will have it cook all my CNY dishes… yum mum mum…
hmmm, maybe this year the cat and rat can be friends? heheh!
Good one…never thought about it. Must go hide my prosperity cat, even though it’s tinier than my finger.
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?
No worry leh, Now they have the prosperity rats on the rack for sell!! No joke! I seeing them everywhere! same colour same stylo.