MANEKI-NEKO CATS
(The beckoning cats)
Health
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.
![luckyneko.gif](https://www.angelfire.com/tx2/kittycats3/cat_images/luckyneko.gif)
Luck
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 notices a cat beckoning
him to come inside the temple gates.
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.
Wealth
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.
![loveneko.gif](https://www.angelfire.com/tx2/kittycats3/cat_images/loveneko.gif)
Love
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.
![loveneko.gif](https://www.angelfire.com/tx2/kittycats3/cat_images/loveneko.gif)
HEALTH ** LUCK ** WEALTH ** LOVE
**NOTE: 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.
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