Lucky Charms of Monaco

Monaco, the world's second smallest nation and a global center of casino gambling and yachting, has an amulet culture shaped by French Catholic tradition, Mediterranean influences, and the very specific superstitions of high-stakes gamblers. Casino players in Monte Carlo have elaborate personal lucky rituals: specific seats at tables, lucky numbers, touching lucky objects, and avoiding unlucky colors. The horseshoe and four-leaf clover are universally recognized luck-bringers.

The Monégasque patron saint, St. Devote, is celebrated with a procession in January where a boat is ceremonially burned to bring good fortune. Lucky dice and the number seven are perhaps more loaded with meaning here than almost anywhere else on earth. The ship's wheel and anchor reflect Monaco's deep connection to the sea and yachting culture.