What is some? This phenomenon is considered typically anime. Outwardly, it looks like a man with cat ears and a tail. The word "neko" or "neka" from Japanese is translated as "cat / cat". It can be pronounced in any form - both “Neka” and “Neko”. You can still use the word "nek" - it will be masculine.
Neko in Japanese mythology
What is certain in Japanese mythology? These are tailed, restless and very interesting creatures that can talk. They were taken as the basis in the anime. This character arose on the basis of myths about three animals that could turn into humans. This is a fox, a cat and a raccoon dog. Mostly some - these are girls. Why exactly them? Yes, you just pay attention to how anime girls draw, and you will immediately understand what is different in anime. They look very much like kitties there, so you shouldn’t even think up anything new. Cat girls are very sexy and cute, this character is guaranteed to be appreciated by the stronger sex. Of course, in the anime culture you can see a certain male character, but it is much less common.
Characteristic features
Let's start with the ears. Ears can be drawn at any angle and anywhere on the head. They can be any size. Be black or white or match the color of your hair. Inside the ears are mostly painted pink, but this is not necessary. It’s impossible to say for sure what such a thing is; here you can’t limit your imagination. There are no strict restrictions regarding the tail. Most importantly, it should at least remotely resemble a feline. As a rule, it is painted smooth (since fluffy tails are not particularly suitable for humans) and the same color with the ears. Now hands. Sometimes they are painted with gloves, and the legs are in the shape of a cat's paws. Their color is the same as that of the tail and ears.
Anime Neka
What is it if it has no bells? This is impossible to imagine. Bells are painted wherever possible - on the feet, neck, ears and so on. This is a tradition, and it must be adhered to. It is believed that cats like various ringing things.
Maneki-neko
What is maneki-neko? This is a very popular Japanese talisman. This talisman has a lot of names - “inviting cat”, “calling cat”, “money cat”. But they all have one thing in common - luck will surely settle in your house. If you translate the expression "maneki-neko" literally from Japanese, it means "beckoning cat." This mascot is a ceramic or porcelain cat figurine with a raised foot. These figures can be found in a variety of options and anywhere. Maneki differ in color. It also matters which foot the cat has raised. In the classic version, this is a white cat figurine with a raised left paw, with a coin in the other paw and a red collar with bells.
What do the colors and meanings of the raised legs mean?
If the cat's left foot is raised, then such a talisman is designed to lure visitors, customers and guests. The raised right foot symbolizes luck and money. If two paws are raised, then, accordingly, this talisman has the effect of both options described above.
Now about the flowers. A classic white figure lures wealth and money into your home. Sometimes they meet with specks on the legs. Maneki of red color, besides good luck, will attract health and your home. The pink mascot is calling love in your home. Black maneki protects him from evil, evil spirits and troubles. The golden talisman attracts wealth, but not always money. For example, it can be intellectual or spiritual values.
The history of maneki-neko
The story of the maneki mascot is supposedly originates from the Edo era (1603-1867). But for the first time this talisman was mentioned in documents that belonged to the Meiji era, namely in the newspaper for 1876. According to one of the existing theories regarding the appearance of a maneki, this talisman was invented by the government because of the ban on the open use of a sexual symbol to attract visitors to courtesans and Merry houses. And then instead of an enticing woman, an “enticing cat” began to be used.
Regarding the raised legs, too, is not all clear. The fact that the right raised foot attracts luck, and the left - money, is a moot point. Since in different provinces they claim differently. In addition, the significance of the paws has changed many times over time, because the talisman with two raised paws is an excellent compromise solution. It is believed that the higher the foot is raised, the more good luck the talisman will attract to your home.
The image of maneki itself has greatly influenced modern Japanese culture, including the character Hello, Kitty! Maneki in one of the toys of this brand plays the role of an artifact that increases strength. There is a Manekineko book written by Bruce Sterling. In it, the gesture of the talisman’s paw is a symbol of a secret trading network, which is based on artificial intelligence.