Lesson 2: Latin Roots Pre-Reading Discussion Questions
• Do you have any good luck charms? What are they? Have they ever brought you good luck? How can you be sure?
• Why do you think people keep good luck charms?
Do you have any lucky charms? Do they improve your luck? Have you wondered why people find certain things lucky?
Start a new lesson each week.
Y
ou might have heard that four-leaf clovers and horseshoes are symbols of good luck. Here are some symbols that you might not know.
Pigs are thought to be symbols of
good fortune in many cultures. In Germany, people often compliment others on their good luck with an expression that means “You have pig.” Some Native American groups consider the pig to be a symbol of abundance. The pig reminds them to celebrate life and share what they have. According to an Irish myth, the Celtic god of the sea kept a special herd of pigs. When these pigs were eaten, they appeared again. The gods ate the pigs as a way to preserve themselves. By eating the pigs, the gods would never grow old. Rabbits are also a symbol of good
luck. They are linked with spring and the growth of flowers. Seeing a rabbit run through your fields is a fortuitous sign. It means that your garden will grow well. (Of course, then the rabbit will have many pleasant meals!)
According to a German myth, the rabbit was once a bird. This unfortunate bird nearly died from
164 UNIT 8 Good and Bad | Lesson 2 8 UNIT 8 Good and Bad | Lesson 2
the winter cold. The goddess of spring changed the bird into a rabbit. The rabbit brought rainbow eggs, a sign of spring.
Frogs are a symbol of abundance because they lay so many eggs. The Romans thought that frogs could bring good luck and security to their homes. The Irish people believed that frogs were related to leprechauns. If frogs were ever displeased, they would play tricks on you. In China, the three- legged toad was a pet of the god of wealth. This toad was often shown with a coin in its mouth.
Elephants are said to keep bad luck away. Some people place an elephant statue at every door of their homes. They believe that this animal brings pleasure and happiness into their lives. Elephants are also symbols of wisdom and strength. In ancient Asia and India, only kings deserved to ride them.
Are you feeling
a little insecure? Perhaps a pig, rabbit, frog, or elephant could change your outlook and your luck!
Latin Roots Lesson 2
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