The Amazing Symbolism of the Wishbone
The wishbone, also known as the furcula, is a symbol of good fortune and the promise of wishes granted. But have you ever wondered about the wishbone meaning and how this tradition came to be? In this article, we will explore the origins, symbolism, and traditions surrounding the wishbone. So, let’s dive in and discover the meaning of this fascinating symbol.
A Brief History of the Wishbone
The story of the wishbone dates back thousands of years to the ancient Etruscans, who believed that birds were oracles and could predict the future. They would dry out the bird’s wishbone, or furcula, and use it as a means of divination. Later, the Romans adopted this tradition, and it eventually spread throughout Europe.
The Symbolism of the Wishbone
The wishbone symbolizes hope, luck, desires and the fulfilling of dreams. Some of the main symbolic meanings associated with the wishbone include:
- Wishes and dreams: The most literal symbolism is that the wishbone represents hopes, dreams and desires. When one breaks the bone, they make a wish that they hope will come true.
- Good fortune: People believe that the wishbone will bring them luck and wealth. People believe that if you break the bone in a certain way or get the bigger piece, you will be blessed with wealth and good luck.
- Life and rebirth: As a part of once living creatures, wishbones also symbolize life, vitality and the renewal of life through the fulfillment of one’s wishes. There is a rebirth of hopes and dreams upon making a wish on the bone.
- Divine connection: For some, the wishbone acts as a connection point between humans and the divine. By making a wish on the bone, one appeals to spiritual forces for assistance in realizing one’s desires.
The Wishbone Tradition Today
The wishbone tradition has become a popular game in modern times, often played during Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations. The game involves two people competing to break the wishbone, with the one who gets the larger piece believed to have their wish granted.
How to Play the Wishbone Game
- Allow the wishbone to dry for a few days after removing it from the bird.
- Two people each hold one end of the wishbone.
- On the count of three, they pull the wishbone apart.
- The person with the larger piece is believed to have their wish granted.
FAQs about Wishbone Meaning
A chicken wishbone would be snapped apart by two people while they were each making a wish. The person holding the longer piece was said to have good fortune or a wish granted. If the bone cracked evenly in half, both people would have their wishes come true.
For many people, the wishbone is a symbol of luck. Wishbone jewellery makes a great gift for anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions. When you combine wishbone rings with diamonds, it is believed that the wearer will have long-lasting luck and happiness.
According to tradition, if two people grab hold of opposite ends of the bone and pull until it breaks, the one who ends up with the bigger piece will get his or her wish.
Ancient Romans believed that chicken bones held the power of good fortune. When two people pulled apart a wishbone, the person left with the larger piece got the good luck, or a wish granted.