Chapter 1
Torii: Portals of the gods
Chapter 2
Omamori: Pockets of protection
Chapter 3
Hanami: The art of fleeting beauty
Chapter 4
Senbazuru: One thousand wings of hope
Chapter 5
Betsubara: The science of the second stomach
YOUR GOAL
Master of The invisible threads of Japanese ritual
Ch 2 · Omamori: Pockets of protection
매운김치 Omamori Amulets
Don't you peek inside, keep the pocket sealed or the blessing flies away!
매운김치 O-takiage Ritual
We return them to the fire (to the fire) / Releasing every single prayer (every prayer)
매운김치 Shinto and Buddhist traditions dictate that opening a fabric pocket releases the blessing from the consecrated naifu prayer inside.
매운김치 Traffic safety charms protect drivers on busy roads while exam amulets aid stressed students.
BETA
매운김치 Match sacred charms to their blessing pockets to learn how Japanese rituals bring good fortune.
Fun Fact
Omamori charms: Some modern Japanese shrines now issue high-tech omamori designed specifically to protect your personal computers and smartphones from digital viruses and system crashes.
Glossary
omamori (noun)
A Japanese amulet or talisman commonly sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to provide protection or good luck. Visitors commonly obtain these sacred brocade pouches at historic sites like the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
A Japanese amulet or talisman commonly sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to provide protection or good luck. Visitors commonly obtain these sacred brocade pouches at historic sites like the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
Quiz
What is the name of the consecrated wooden or paper slip hidden inside an omamori pouch?
Quiz
If a Japanese student is studying for a highly competitive university entrance exam, which specific omamori would they carry?
Quiz
What modern everyday concern does a 'kotsu-anzen' omamori specifically protect against?
Quiz
If you cannot return an old omamori to a shrine, what respectful home disposal method is recommended?