Images found at www.tokyoweekender.com
Omamori are protection bags sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. They are made of silk and contain a prayer or a blessing inside. You are meant to keep them sealed, as opening them is considered bad luck. Most people attach Omamori on their phone, purse, wallet, car, on the wall etc.
When Omamori first came about, the idea was that priests would put the power and strength of the gods into pocket sized blessings to ward off evil spirits. Now, there are a wide variety of types, meanings and purposes for Omamori.
Katsumori (かつもり)- This is the success talisman. It sometimes has an arrow depicted on it to represent aiming towards a goal. It is recommended to have only one goal for each Katsumori in order to maximize the power.
Yakuyoke(やくよけ)- This amulet is used to ward away evil spirits. It prevents potential illnesses (it was believed that demons were the cause of illness) and is supposed to keep you safe after a bad event has happened.
Shoubaihanjou(しょうばいはんじょう)- This is the money talisman. These Omamori are generally draped in gaudy yellow and gold colors. It is supposed to give you luck in finding money, inheritance and finding good deals when shopping.
Gakugyou(がくぎょう)- Gakugyou is the education talisman and helps with the acquisition of knowledge.
Koutsuanzen(こうつあんぜん)- This is the traffic safety amulet. It is commonly seen on the dashboards of taxis and other public transportation methods to help ease the passenger.
Enmusubi(かいうん)- Enmusibi is the love talisman! There are different kinds of Enmusubi to fit the specific needs of each person.
Shiawase(しあわせ)- General happiness.
There are also special Ommamori, but I will leave those for another post.
Happy Friday! -Heidi Pohl
Yakuyoke(やくよけ)- This amulet is used to ward away evil spirits. It prevents potential illnesses (it was believed that demons were the cause of illness) and is supposed to keep you safe after a bad event has happened.
Shoubaihanjou(しょうばいはんじょう)- This is the money talisman. These Omamori are generally draped in gaudy yellow and gold colors. It is supposed to give you luck in finding money, inheritance and finding good deals when shopping.
Gakugyou(がくぎょう)- Gakugyou is the education talisman and helps with the acquisition of knowledge.
Koutsuanzen(こうつあんぜん)- This is the traffic safety amulet. It is commonly seen on the dashboards of taxis and other public transportation methods to help ease the passenger.
Enmusubi(かいうん)- Enmusibi is the love talisman! There are different kinds of Enmusubi to fit the specific needs of each person.
- Single- it is recommended to buy the standard Enmusubi which has a simple message of love. It is supposed to help you find a long lasting partner.
- Couples- These are sold in a set of two- one pink and one blue.
- Married- In marriage, even numbers are unlucky, so the marriage Enmusubi is a singular Omamori. It is generally white, and has a crane or flowers on it.
- Childbirth- Ensures a rapid and safe delivery for both the mother and the child.
- Family- Comes in a pack and strengthens the love between parent and children. It also strengthens the marriage.
Shiawase(しあわせ)- General happiness.
There are also special Ommamori, but I will leave those for another post.
Happy Friday! -Heidi Pohl