Waving cat statues with a raised paw and pointy ears are ubiquitous in shops and restaurants around Taiwan. The cat often sits facing forward at the front of the store on a windowsill, shelf, or cash register, and holds an ancient oval coin in one paw that features three characters and represents money.
With the other paw, it waves up and down purposely all day long as if to extend an invitation to passersby to come inside and bring good fortune. It is therefore given the name zhao cai mao in Chinese and promotes prosperity for businesses and households.
Beckoning felines often look the same, so it is easy to overlook their distinctive features. However, there are many differences between the lucky icons. For example, an uplifted left paw is generally said to summons potential patrons and visitors, while most raised right paws are believed to symbolize wealth and luck.
Other common distinctions can be made between the figurine’s varying colors and in the multiple accessories it may be holding in its paw. These objects may be in the form of a fish, mallet, ingot, or other auspicious item. But, regardless of what they may symbolize, to Taiwanese these cats beckon to a brighter future, and who cannot do without hope.