Omamori - Japanese Lucky Charms
At every shrine and temple you visit in Japan, there is a booth selling Omamori or lucky charm amulet things. I never know what is for what so I haven't bought them. I did recieve a beautiful gift of one when I found out I had cancer last fall (Thank you Sano San!)
They are especially popular during the New Year Holidays and during test taking times, and with both Shinto believers and Buddhists. They are made with a fancy silky fabric and have little printed prayers inside, but you aren't supposed to open it or you will release the blessing and say good-bye to the good luck. (How does anyone know there is a prayer inside if you can't look?) The good luck is said to last about a year, then you need to get a new one. There are special Omamori for every different category you can think of - success, money, travel, ward off evil, learning and education, love, traffic safety, to name a few.
I'm not superstitious, nor am I Shinto or Buddhist, but somehow I believe in this omamori. I have had some medical challenges, but I haven't had any horrible side effects from the chemotherapy and my broken arm is healing much faster than I imagined it would. I think I am very lucky.
6 comments:
I always loved these when you see them in Japanese comics. I didn't know they even made special hello kitty ones for kids though :)
I think the power of blessing; speaking good words over a situation is real every where you go.
I'm glad you're doing well, Pamela.
yes, there IS power in prayer no matter religion or even the Universe. I am so glad you are doing well. Just sent another prayer into the air for you.
xx, Carol
I think a bit of luck and good wishes, from whatever faith it originates, is more than welcome. We are Christian, but my daughter has been getting the study good luck charms and she thinks they work. Her grades improved this term, after her father got her a charm from Ise Shrine, and she got into the high school she was aiming for after visiting a temple famous for its education god. Anything that helps is wonderful!
Belief is the core of any religion. By BELIEVING we will pass the exam, be safe in traffic and cured of our ailment we have come a long way. It is like a hand to hold. These omamoris are beautiful 'hands' to hold or hang from our schoolbags.
It's wonderful that you're healing so well and the chemo's side effects haven't been bad! Wonderful blessings!
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