Here's what the different aspects of the waving cat represent:
* Raised Paw: The raised paw indicates what the cat is "beckoning" for.
* Right Paw Raised: This is believed to attract customers and money.
* Left Paw Raised: This is believed to attract good luck and fortune overall.
* Color: The color of the cat can also have different meanings:
* White: Purity and good luck.
* Black: Protection from evil.
* Gold: Wealth and prosperity.
* Red: Good health and happiness.
* Green: Good fortune and prosperity.
Origins: The Maneki-Neko is a popular Japanese folk tale that has been around for centuries. There are various stories about the origin of the cat, but one common theme is that a cat beckoned a passing nobleman into a temple, saving him from a storm.
While the Maneki-Neko is associated with Japan, it has also been adopted in other cultures, including China. However, it's not considered a traditional Chinese symbol.
It's important to note that these are just interpretations, and different people may have different beliefs about the meaning of waving cats.