Generation Z and the Allure of Luck: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Lucky Necklaces in Thailand and China

Abstract

This article investigates the similarities and differences between Thai and Chinese beliefs regarding lucky necklaces. Itaims tounderstand thecultural significanceof thesenecklaces in bothsocieties.Thestudysurveyed a sample group of third-year Business English Department students and ten exchange Chinese students at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. A purposive sampling method was employed to select the participants, whichincluded ten students from each group. The data collection processutilized a mixed-methods approach involving a questionnaire survey and 20 semi-structured interviews. The study findings will provide valuable insights intothe language proficiencyof theselected student groups. The finding was that a significant proportion (95%) of the participants showed keen interest in acquiring luckycharms.The principal domainsof interest forauspiciousfortune werefinancial prosperity(32.61%), romantic relationships (28.26%), health and well-being (21.74%), and career progression(17.39%). The driving factors that influenced their decisiontoacquirethese charms were personal inclinations (65%), acquaintances (20%), public figures (10%), and parents (5%). Regarding preferred lucky symbols, diamonds (21.33%) and dragons (18.67%) topped the list. Other popular choices included pearls and jade (both 18.67%), ruby (10.67%), the Chinese sailboat symbol (8%), zircon (2.67%), and the Tie Duo Yue symbol (2.67%). The survey participants suggested that a critical difference between Thai and Chinese beliefs regarding lucky necklaces lies in the role of religion. Thai participants emphasized religious beliefs more when choosing lucky necklaces, while Chinese participants wereless likelyto doso. However, bothcultures shared acommon belief intheimportanceofauspiciouscolors forenhancing theluckassociated withnecklaces. Interestingly, whileThai peoplegenerallyuseauspiciouscolors for confidence before leaving home, Chinese people favor red for its perceived good luck. This studyhighlights similarities and differences inthecultural beliefs surrounding luckynecklaces inThailand and China. While both cultures value the potential for these necklaces to bring good luck, they differ in the factors influencing their choices, suchas the roleof religionand preferred colors.