Omamori
Ritual objects御守 ・ Reading: おまもり
Definition
An omamori is a protective amulet sold at Japanese shrines and temples, usually a small brocade pouch containing a blessing for a specific purpose such as health, study, or safe travel. It is meant to be carried with you.
Where they come from
Omamori grew out of the older tradition of protective talismans distributed by shrines and temples, and they blend Shinto and Buddhist ideas of divine protection. The blessing is understood to live inside the pouch, so an omamori is treated as a sacred object rather than a souvenir. Most are sold from a counter near the main hall, often alongside ema plaques and paper fortunes.
What to look for
A typical omamori is a small brocade bag closed with a cord, with the shrine or temple name and the type of blessing embroidered on the front. Each kind has its own purpose: traffic safety, good health, success in study, safe childbirth, love, or general good fortune. Do not open the pouch, as custom holds that this lets the blessing escape.
Using and returning one
Carry it where it suits its purpose, on a bag, a phone, a wallet, or a car. Omamori are usually kept for about a year, then brought back to a shrine or temple, often at New Year's, to be returned and respectfully burned. You need not return it to the same place you bought it, though many people choose to.
Common questions
- How much does an omamori cost?
An omamori usually costs around 500 to 1,000 yen. The amount is treated as an offering rather than an ordinary price, and most shrines and temples set a fixed figure.
- Can you open an omamori?
No, you should not open an omamori. The pouch contains a blessed slip of paper or wood, and by custom it is kept sealed rather than opened, so it is carried as it is.
- What is the difference between an omamori and a goshuin?
An omamori is a protective amulet you carry with you, while a goshuin is a hand-brushed seal recorded in a special book to mark a visit. One is an object of protection, the other is a record of worship.