The One of a Kind “Gouri,” the New Year’s Lucky Charm for Greeks

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The One of a Kind “Gouri,” the New Year’s Lucky Charm for Greeks

The “gouri,” or Greek good luck charm, is especially prevalent ahead of the New Year, with pomegranates being the most-favored of such symbols. Credit: Greek Reporter

The “gouri,” or Greek good luck charm, has proven to be a steadfast part of Greek culture since ancient times. With New Year celebrations fast approaching, the presence of lucky trinkets is becoming all the more prevalent and valuable. During the winter holidays, these can be spotted just about everywhere in Greece—from stores and homes to businesses and even hotel lobbies and reception desks. This is one gift plenty of Greeks exchange ahead of the New Year.

The word “gouri” (Greek: γούρι) means both “good luck” and “good luck charm” in Greek. Objects and practices believed to attract positive outcomes are part of ancient customs.

Lucky charms can be found in the form of

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, with primitive representations of nature and replicas of those who wore them. Similarly, today, Christians occasionally don holy amulets, icons, and other paraphernalia in the hope that the saints will protect them from misfortune.

Many modern-day Greeks, including Christians, continue to wear or display such objects, thought to be deliverers of favorable circumstances, and take part in a range of New Year’s traditions based on timeless folk beliefs.

Through the years, gouria have been modernized and are now available in tons of different shapes and forms. Credit: Greek Reporter

Nowadays, gouria (the plural of the Greek word “gouri”) have also been modernized. They come in tons of different designs, materials, shapes, and colors and are available as part of trendy jewelry or might be decorated with ribbons, beads, strings, precious stones, and other interesting materials.

The year itself is also attached on the gouri along with other charms or symbols, denoting good luck, health, and prosperity. Gouria come in gold and silver. They are available at various price points depending on the artisan’s craftsmanship and materials used.

Regardless of the type and design, many Greeks do believe in the power of such good luck trinkets and the influence thereof in the new year.

Greek gouria can be found at various price points depending on the craftsmanship and materials used. Credit: Greek Reporter

Symbols of Greek good luck charms and significance

For thousands of years, the pomegranate has been considered by various peoples and cultures as the ultimate symbol of fertility, abundance, and good luck. Prior to taking up residence in a new home, ancient Greeks would throw a pomegranate against the threshold.

This is a custom many continue to practice to this day on New Year’s Day. The breaking of a pomegranate is actually one of the most common New Year’s customs and signifies a good start to another year.

Moreover, the evil eye (“mati” in Greek) is also one of the most popular symbols used by Greeks in amulets. Many believe that the “mati,“ either in the form of a blue stone or a blue eye charm, wards off evil and unwelcome intentions.

Another traditional Greek New Year token that symbolizes luck is the coin hidden within a vasilopita. Served for the New Year, the person who gets the piece containing the coin is said to acquire good luck for that year.

However, in a country with a rich maritime culture, the boat has got to be the most brazenly Greek symbol of good things coming, as it is emblematic of hope and good travels among other things and is especially significant in the everyday life of the people.

Nowadays, there are many stores and boutiques in the country which provide the most beautiful of New Year’s lucky charms in the form of exquisite creations, jewelry, and other gifts. Bracelets, pendants, rings, brooches, key chains, and a myriad of other items are all made with attention to minute details, fine style, exceptional craftsmanship, and what Greeks call “meraki,” or good taste. These are all also available online on e-shops such as

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What is your favorite Greek symbol of good luck for the coming year?

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