I really need some luck on my relationships. I want to get an omamori, but I’m more worried about that fact that it’s a religious piece. Is there any kind of charms you guys carry for luck?
Generally we Japanese don’t think of Omamori as something religious, so you don’t have to worry too much! We buy them using the opportunity of visiting a famous shrine or temple. It’s rare for us to visit such places only to buy omamori.
I wouldn’t be concerned about the religious aspect. Shinto seems very inclusive in my experience.
For many people it’s a memento or souvenir, or a charm like a four leaf clover or St. Christopher medal. And for shrines and temples it’s an income stream. I think the luck aspect is always in the background.
That said they are strictly speaking a religious object. Personally I think they should be treated with a bit of respect, if only in deference to those who do believe.
Traditionally you are meant to return them to a shrine at New Year to be burnt. And I’ve be told you shouldn’t have a lot of them together, hanging on your bag for instance.
You can get them for all sorts of things, usually colour coded. Exam success, easy childbirth, safe motoring, love, financial success.
Some shrines are more associated with particular areas. Jishu Jinja behind Kiyomizudera in Kyoto is one famous for love. Naturally I bought one there and had a nice conversation with the head priest.
I had an exam success one from a shrine associated with that. Can’t remember where that was though. Somewhere in Kyoto I expect. Kitanotennmangu Jinja possibly.
I have a stone omamori from Ryoanji Temple where the famous stone garden is . But this omamori has the tsukubai with the very clever inscription on it. I used to carry that on my backpack until the plastic holder I had it in started to fall apart. I liked the little jingle the bell makes.
2 comments
Generally we Japanese don’t think of Omamori as something religious, so you don’t have to worry too much! We buy them using the opportunity of visiting a famous shrine or temple. It’s rare for us to visit such places only to buy omamori.
I wouldn’t be concerned about the religious aspect. Shinto seems very inclusive in my experience.
For many people it’s a memento or souvenir, or a charm like a four leaf clover or St. Christopher medal. And for shrines and temples it’s an income stream. I think the luck aspect is always in the background.
That said they are strictly speaking a religious object. Personally I think they should be treated with a bit of respect, if only in deference to those who do believe.
Traditionally you are meant to return them to a shrine at New Year to be burnt. And I’ve be told you shouldn’t have a lot of them together, hanging on your bag for instance.
You can get them for all sorts of things, usually colour coded. Exam success, easy childbirth, safe motoring, love, financial success.
Some shrines are more associated with particular areas. Jishu Jinja behind Kiyomizudera in Kyoto is one famous for love. Naturally I bought one there and had a nice conversation with the head priest.
I had an exam success one from a shrine associated with that. Can’t remember where that was though. Somewhere in Kyoto I expect. Kitanotennmangu Jinja possibly.
I have a stone omamori from Ryoanji Temple where the famous stone garden is . But this omamori has the tsukubai with the very clever inscription on it. I used to carry that on my backpack until the plastic holder I had it in started to fall apart. I liked the little jingle the bell makes.