Lucky Charms of Venezuela

Venezuela's charm tradition blends Spanish Catholic devotion with Indigenous Yanomami, Pemon, and other heritage, and a significant Afro-Venezuelan spiritual tradition. María Lionza — a distinctive Venezuelan spirit (Venezuelan mythology's most important figure, partly derived from an Indigenous water goddess) — is the center of an elaborate syncretic religion practiced across the country, in which her image is carried for luck and protection.

The evil eye (mal de ojo) is guarded against with the standard Latin American counter-measures: black jet beads, red ribbon on infants, and specific prayers. The Virgen de Coromoto (Venezuela's patron) is carried on medals for national protection. The ceibo tree is considered auspicious in several Venezuelan Indigenous traditions.