The Meaning and Symbolism Behind Fortune Cookies (2024)

If you’re anything like me, fortune cookies determine your fate. When I’m looking for answers or need a little inspiration, I love to break one open and see what’s inside. To me, it’s the right message at the right time. Out of every single fortune cookie that I could have opened, I picked one at random and it held a message. It gives me a sense that I needed to hear the message. Even if it wasn't made for me, it was something that I needed to hear.

Learning the history and symbolization of fortune cookies makes each message more meaningful. In this post, I’m going to take you through everything about fortune cookies. You too can welcome messages that bring you good fortune.

The Meaning and Symbolism Behind Fortune Cookies (1)

Pictured Fortune Cookie String Bracelet (Black) and Fortune Cookie Ring (Gold)

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In this article...

  • A Brief History of Fortune Cookies
  • What Do Fortune Cookies Symbolize?
  • What Does An Empty Fortune Cookie Mean?
  • What Do the Lucky Numbers on Fortune Cookies Mean?
  • Fortune Cookie Examples
  • Fortune Cookie FAQs

A Brief History of Fortune Cookies

Fortune Cookies originated in Japan. In the United States, they are often associated with Chinese culture. Senbei, a Japanese cracker, made of sesame and soy sauce, wasproduced in KyotoJapan in the 19th century. These crackers had messages in the center of them, like fortune cookies.

Japanese immigrants began to make Senbei in San Franciscoand Los Angeles in the 1900s. At the same time, Chinese restaurants did not have many desserts to offer. They then began to make the senbei crackers for customers. Around the time of World War II, fortune cookies became popular among soldiers. Chinese-Americans were able to mass-produce fortune cookies when Japanese-Americans got sent to internment camps.

What Do Fortune Cookies Symbolize?

Fortune Cookies symbolize luck, wisdom, fate, and all that is unknown. This all comes from the fortune that is inside. The message in your cookie is for you. Out of every single fortune cookie that you could’ve picked, you picked that one. Whether you're looking for some advice or a little luck, you can interpret the message any way you want.

What Does An Empty Fortune Cookie Mean?

An empty fortune cookie may be disappointing, but what it means isn’t. There are two popular beliefs about what an empty fortune cookie means but don't worry, both are good.

The first is that you will soon have something good happen to you. Thereasoning behind this is that you are now owed a fortune and it will be repaid to you with a good event.

The second is that your fortune is a blank slate. You are in control of your own future and are able to take the reins and make what you want to happen, happen. You have everything you need to move forward and bring in good energy. Although it may be a little less fun, no fortune is nothing to worry about. It doesn’t mean that you have no future or luck. Instead, it is something to embrace and get ready to see the change you need.

The Meaning and Symbolism Behind Fortune Cookies (2)

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What Do the Lucky Numbers on Fortune Cookies Mean?

The lucky numbers on fortune cookies can have many meanings. It all depends on how you decide to use and interpret the numbers. Some people will use these numbers to play the lottery, in hope that they will win. Others will make sure to look out for those numbers in everyday life. They may signify a date or time that something lucky will happen.

You can also make lucky numbers your own. If one of the numbers on your fortune is 8, you can search out things with the number 8. The amusem*nt park ride cars you get on, license plates, phone numbers, and house numbers. This can become a superstition of ours if you feel the number speaks to you.

Fortune Cookie Examples

There are so many different fortune cookie fortunes that you may receive. They may be quotes or words of wisdom. Some of my favorites are:

  • “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” - William Shakespeare
  • “You are not what you’ve done. You are what we keep doing.” - Jack Butcher
  • “You can’t do everything by yourself. It’s okay to ask for help.”
  • “If the thing your focusing on makes you unhappy, focus on something else.”
  • “Not from the future: I’m not intimidated by your past.”
  • “Unlearn everything that you aren’t. Relearn everything that you are.”
  • “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” - Coco Chanel
  • “Being patient is less about waiting things out until you get your way, and more about being tolerant of what is.”
  • “Unbecome everything that isn’t you. Become everything that is.”
  • “Keep looking for the lessons even when you don’t think you need them.”

These are a few of so many meaningful fortune cookie fortunes. Our Fortune Cookie Lockets can hold whatever fortune or message is meaningful to you. To find some more, check out ourfortune gallery.

The Meaning and Symbolism Behind Fortune Cookies (3)

Pictured Signature Fortune Cookie Locket (Pink)

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Fortune Cookie FAQs

Still have some more questions about fortune cookies? I’ve got you covered.

Are Fortune Cookies True?

Fortune cookies are true, but not in the way many people think. The message on the paper isn’t going to magically come true because you’ve opened it. But instead, you can see it as the right message at the right time. It can give you the proper guidance to the future and allow for manifestation.

Sometimes the words on the fortune aren’t even something that's going to come true. They might be something you need to hear. It can be the inspiration you need to start something new or words to remind you you're on the right path. Your fortune cookie may be holding the right message that you need.

So yes, fortune cookies are true as long as you are opening your own mind and heart. Welcome the words in and find out what they mean to you.

The Meaning and Symbolism Behind Fortune Cookies (4)

Pictured Signature Fortune Cookie Locket (Gold)

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Do You Eat the Fortune Cookie First?

Everyone has a different method when it comes to this. Some people like to see their fortune right away, while others like to wait and eat the cookie first. Whatever feels right to you is the way to go. It’s your fortune and your future.

To shop jewelry take a look at our signature Fortune Cookie Jewelry

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  • The History of Poison Jewelry
  • The Meaning Behind a Key Necklace
The Meaning and Symbolism Behind Fortune Cookies (2024)

FAQs

The Meaning and Symbolism Behind Fortune Cookies? ›

In China fortune cookies are referred to in many terms such as “good luck cookie”, “cookie with fortune words” and “good luck biscuit etc. Fortune cookies are a bit different than regular confectionery because they are not just meant for eating but also have significance. They often symbolize luck, fate and wisdom.

What is the story behind the fortune cookie? ›

The exact origin of fortune cookies is unclear, though various immigrant groups in California claim to have popularized them in the early 20th century. They most likely originated from cookies made by Japanese immigrants to the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century.

What is the concept of fortune cookies? ›

Legendary History of the Fortune Cookie #1

The Chinese immigrant, David Jung, who founded the Hong Kong Noodle Company while living in Los Angeles, invented the cookie in 1918. Concerned about the poor people he saw wandering near his shop, he created the cookie and passed them out free on the streets.

Why do fortune cookies come true? ›

As for predicting the future, no, fortune cookies don't have special powers of foresight. The fortune cookie you open at a Chinese restaurant came into your hands randomly. If it happens to contain a fortune that comes true, it's just coincidence. Besides, many fortunes don't even predict the future.

What do fortune cookies symbolize? ›

In China fortune cookies are referred to in many terms such as “good luck cookie”, “cookie with fortune words” and “good luck biscuit etc. Fortune cookies are a bit different than regular confectionery because they are not just meant for eating but also have significance. They often symbolize luck, fate and wisdom.

What does an empty fortune cookie symbolize? ›

There are two popular beliefs about what an empty fortune cookie means but don't worry, both are good. The first is that you will soon have something good happen to you. The reasoning behind this is that you are now owed a fortune and it will be repaid to you with a good event.

Why do fortune cookies have lucky numbers? ›

The numbers on the fortunes in fortune cookies are known as " lucky numbers " and are believed to bring good luck and fortune to those who receive them .

What are fortune cookies actually called? ›

In Japan, the cookies are called, variously, tsujiura senbei ("fortune crackers"), omikuji senbei ("written fortune crackers"), and suzu senbei ("bell crackers").

Are you meant to eat fortune cookies? ›

They rarely eat. Fortune cookies are served in Chinese restaurants, but there is no Chinese custom of eating these cookies at all, and it is presumed that the Japanese probably made these cookies. However, few Chinese restaurants in Japan offer fortune cookies.

What are the rules of fortune cookies? ›

THE instructions on the red wrapper are very explicit: (1) Open the packaging. (2) Use both hands to break open the fortune cookie. (3) Retrieve and read the fortune. (4) Eat the cookie.

Can you keep fortune cookies? ›

They are considered a non-perishable food & although some fortune cookie companies claim their cookies will stay fresh for 6 or 8 months, I say you should... Q. What makes Fancy Fortune Cookies different from other fortune cookie companies?

How long do fortune cookies last? ›

These cookies will get soggy if they aren't stored properly. Make sure you store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last 2-3 days stored like this. If you want them to last even longer you can bake the shaped cookies in the oven at 120C/250F for 6-7 minutes.

What does it mean when you rip your fortune cookie? ›

Ripping the fortune just makes it a little harder to read. It has no impact on the ability of that piece of paper to determine what happens to you.

Are you supposed to read your fortune before you eat the cookie? ›

THE instructions on the red wrapper are very explicit: (1) Open the packaging. (2) Use both hands to break open the fortune cookie. (3) Retrieve and read the fortune. (4) Eat the cookie.

What are the lucky numbers on a fortune cookie? ›

This will give you a better chance at winning the lottery

The six numbers in FORTUNE COOKIES associated with the most winners are: 4, 14, 15, 22, 26 and 28.

What happened to the fortunes in fortune cookies? ›

Simply put, they no longer tell fortunes because the family-run companies that dominate this business cannot keep up with demand. Yet that doesn't spoil the fun of fortune cookies. Some companies create "adult" messages, and a few allow patrons to create their own fortunes.

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