The meaning and origin of the turtle as an auspicious motif used on accessories

Auspicious turtle, a symbol of longevity and good fortune

Turtles have been revered as very auspicious creatures in Asia, including Japan, and in Hawaii.

He is also depicted as a deity and a symbol of heaven and earth itself, most famously as Black Tortoise, one of the four ancient Chinese deities who protect the four directions: east, west, north and south.

From there, the turtle motif spread throughout Japan and China as an auspicious motif.

In Japan, the Minogame, a turtle that lives a long time and has a modified tail, is considered a symbol of longevity, as the saying goes, "turtles live for ten thousand years."

The turtles carved into Buddhist altar items are also Minogame.

Turtles depicted in sets with other auspicious motifs

For example, the auspicious motif of longevity mentioned above is used in conjunction with the crane, as in "A crane lives for a thousand years, a turtle lives for ten thousand years."

Other common motifs that emphasize auspiciousness include the depiction of a pine, bamboo, plum tree, or Mount Horai on one's back.

A symbol of good luck in Hawaii and the guardian deity of the sea

The turtle motif in Hawaiian jewelry is widely known as the honu, a symbol of good fortune.

However, it is also a highly auspicious motif that is packed with other auspicious qualities, such as being a guardian deity that brings people good fortune and protects them from disasters.