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WAi! WAi! JAPAN

OCT 20, 2019　19:42

The item you speak of are called “お守り omamori” which loosely means amulet (protection) or talisman (provider of luck) and the kanji used to describe this item means “to guide or to protect”. Many people in Japan would have this close to themselves by strapping it on your phone, purse, bag etc. It’s extremely popular and common to see students using this during the exam period [especially during the new year holidays].

Here are some basic types of Omamori:

1)  勝守 “katsumori”  a Success Talisman.
2)  厄除け “yakuyoke” an amulet to ward away Evil.
3) 商売繁盛 “shoubaihanjou” a Money Talisman for good business.
4) 学業成就 “gakugyou-jouju” Education & Learning Talisman
5) 交通安全 “koutsuanzen” Traffic Safety Amulet
6) 縁結び “enmusubi” Love Talisman
7) 開運 “kaiun” a Luck-Boost Talisman
8) 幸せ “shiawase” the Happiness Amulet

There are layers of meaning behind each one so I suggest you ask questions before purchasing.

Please be aware that you are never, ever meant to open the omamori! Also, there is no need to replace the omamori if you see wear and tear - as it’s an indication that the amulet protected you. The only time you let go of this is once its purpose has been fulfilled or, when it has reached its expiration date - usually about a year (the priest and shrine maidens often emphasize on those dates). You may return them to the shrine or temple you bought it from and they will dispose it with a sacred fire.