iVillage

Usually, the object has been deemed a wish-on by virtue of being from a special place, being connected with a particular event, or being the gift of a particular person. These are purely personal amulets. Anyone can choose anything they like to serve as a personal amulet.

Some types of amulets have been adopted as more universal beliefs connected to wishing customs.

If you wish to have safe travel, you should wear a silver charm and rub it three times as the journey starts, while wishing for safe passage.

Any charm, jewelry, amulet, or other object that has given you good luck may be invested with special qualities. (The custom of wearing these is akin to wishing-the very act of empowering the object with the capability of bringing good luck is the same as wishing on the object for good luck.)

Frog charms are considered particularly fortuitous amulets for creativity or inspiration. Make a wish for either of these while stroking your frog charm; it is said that you must concentrate and believe.

This wish-on probably has its origins in ancient Egypt, Greece, Turkey, and Rome, where people looked on the frog as a symbol of creativity and inspiration.

If you have a turtle amulet (charm), hold it tightly in your hand as you make a wish. Some say the wish may be for anything; others say it must be for good health or a long life.