Historically, the lucky penny was literally just a penny. It was also a token that was given to the buyer in exchange for ensuring good fortune when purchasing animals. Interestingly, in areas like County Antrim and County Londonderry, the gesture of returning a small sum of money after making a livestock deal has remained, with farmers to this day still partaking in the centuries-old tradition.

The Power of Symbolism in Irish Traditions

Irish culture places a lot of weight on symbols of prosperity and luck. The shamrock and the four-leafed clover are recognised across the world, and to this day, leprechauns, pots of gold, and rainbows continue to appear in modern media. Leprechaun folklore has also been reimagined in darker and more complex ways in movies like Leprechaun. 

You also have the character of Mad Sweeney in the American Gods TV show. The series blends Irish folklore with the legend of the mad Irish King from medieval literature.

Progressive jackpot slots like Luck of the Irish Gold Spins also feature nods to Irish folklore, with gold coins, rolling hills, and four-leafed clovers, strengthening the existing link between Ireland and its rich history, while also offering a modern representation of Irish culture.  Beyond entertainment, Irish symbolism is also used in modern branding, with companies adopting shamrocks, green palettes, and other related messaging to celebrate big events like St Patrick’s Day. When you break down Irish traditions and the strong link that Ireland has to its historical roots, it’s not surprising to see traditions like the Lucky Penny being passed down.

Modern-Day Farmers Still Use Lucky Pennies 

The Irish lucky penny is a long-standing tradition in livestock markets. Not only does this ensure prosperity for the person making the sale, but it also allows the buyer to wish them good fortune. Even though it was once a physical penny, now we are seeing bigger cash amounts, such as £20 notes, which are given by the seller to the buyer. Some believe that it’s bad luck not to give a lucky penny token, but many do it to simply keep the tradition alive. Livestock markets, including Rathfriland in County Down, are also well-known for exchanging lucky pennies, with the token varying depending on the sale. 

Even though many partake in the tradition, it’s certainly interesting to see how it has evolved, and how many people hold the tradition very close to their hearts. As farms are often passed down through generations of the same family, gestures like this are often kept alive. 

Many do it as a nod to the previous generation who helped to bring farms' prosperity, and others do it as a way to keep the cultural heritage of Ireland alive. You can find out more about the cultural history of Ireland at Wilderness Ireland. 

Either way, the fact that traditions like this are continuing amongst modern-day farmers and livestock owners helps to show the strong connection that the farming community has to each other, and the widespread cultural impact that Ireland has. To see other traditions just as celebrated isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential to keeping Ireland’s history relevant.