What is this (likely South Asian) charm or talisman I've seen in cars?

October 29, 2016 11:57 AM

In the cars of a few Indian acquaintances (I am in the US), I've seen what looks like a bright orange "flying" dragon or lion hanging off the rear view mirror. What is this called, and what does it mean? The closest image I could find is this, but the ones I've seen appear solid orange, perhaps plastic.
posted by Seeking Direction to Society & Culture (5 answers total)

I mean, the image you linked is of chili peppers and a lemon or lime. So... either the plastic version you've seen are plastic representations of chili peppers and a lemon, or it's something else entirely.

According to this site, the lemon and chili thing is a talisman, and it's used to ward off the inauspicious goddess Alakshmi, who is the sister of Lakshmi and brings misfortune and bad luck in contrast to Laksmi's good luck and prosperity.

However, the link mentions that this is mainly used in the doorways of shops. It seems unusual that cars would be added to that, unless you've mostly seen it in taxis, which I suppose are places of business not unlike a shop.

Alternate theory: are you thinking of the khanda? It doesn't look like a flying dragon or a lion to me, but I guess with no context you could re-orient it in your mind to make a shape not too dissimilar to the chili lemon talisman? The khanda is a symbolic representation of a sword crossed by two ceremonial daggers oriented over a circle. It symbolizes the need to care for the less fortunate and the oppressed and is commonly used in the US as a symbol to designate Sikhism in general. It's a popular enough vehicle decoration (either exterior or interior) in parts of the US with large Sikh populations.

Oh, and this definitely isn't the Om symbol, right? That's another one that looks nothing like a flying dragon to me, but, maybe? It's also a common symbol and decoration in the US, used pretty much anywhere Hindus are found. You also see it a lot at yoga studios and among hippies, because of its use in meditation.
posted by Sara C. at 12:48 PM on October 29, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: This Hanuman figure? It's all over India.
posted by whitewall at 1:13 PM on October 29, 2016 [2 favorites]

Otherwise, it's a plastic version of the lime/chili (nimbu/mirchi) image you found. You can stick that many places, including in and on a car. Lots of cars also have a figure of Ganesh, but he sits on the dash and doesn't dangle.
posted by whitewall at 1:17 PM on October 29, 2016

Response by poster: It's the Hanuman figure indeed! Thanks, whitewall! Sara C., thanks for the explanation of the other symbols (which I've seen on cars as well)!
posted by Seeking Direction at 1:35 PM on October 29, 2016 [1 favorite]

I was always told growing up that the lemon and chili thing is to ward off the evil eye. You'll find it in a lot of homes, especially around doorways.

Hanuman is different. He's a mythological being who is considered a loyal protector figure in Indian culture and he also symbolizes victory over obstacles. Ganesh has a similar association. They are popular in cars because they have become symbols of good luck.
posted by armadillo1224 at 2:44 PM on October 29, 2016 [2 favorites]