Japanese shrines
A goshuin is a sacred seal and handwritten inscription given at Japanese shrines and temples as proof of worship. It is often mistaken for a souvenir stamp, but goshuin grew out of pilgrimage culture and carries religious and cultural meaning. In this guide, you’ll learn what a goshuin is, where it comes from, and why it still matters today—so you can understand this tradition with respect and confidence. What Is a Goshuin? A goshuin is a traditional mark received at shrines and temples after proper worship. It typically includes: Red seals representing the shrine or temple Black calligraphy handwritten ...
Hatsumode is the Japanese tradition of making the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year. Rather than a strict religious obligation, hatsumode is a cultural practice centered on gratitude for the past year and quiet reflection on the year ahead. Understanding hatsumode helps explain why prayer, omikuji, and omamori are so closely associated with the New Year in Japan. This article explains what hatsumode is, when it takes place, what people typically do during their visit, and what visitors should expect. What Is Hatsumode? Hatsumode literally means “first visit” and refers to the first visit to a ...
Japan is often seen as a country full of traditions and rituals—but strangely, most Japanese people don’t identify as “religious.” They rarely go to church or temples on a regular basis,yet they’ll visit shrines during New Year, buy charms for good luck,and pray before exams or big events. So why do Japanese people still buy omamori,even if they don’t think of themselves as religious? Let’s explore this fascinating question. What Are Omamori? Omamori (お守り) are small amulets sold at shrines and temples across Japan.They’re believed to provide blessings and protection in specific areas—for example, safe travels, good health, exam success, ...
Ema (絵馬) are small wooden plaques sold at Shinto shrines in Japan.Visitors write their wishes or prayers on them and then hang the plaques at the shrine. The word ema literally means "picture horse"—originally, people offered horses to the gods, but over time this practice was replaced with wooden tablets. History of Ema The tradition of ema dates back to the Nara period (710–794).At first, real horses were given as offerings to deities for protection or blessings.Later, images of horses were drawn on wooden plaques instead, making the offering more symbolic and widely accessible.Today, ema can feature not only horses ...
An omamori is a traditional Japanese protective amulet given at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Often translated as a “lucky charm,” an omamori is better understood as a form of spiritual support, meant to offer protection and encouragement rather than guarantee specific outcomes. This article explains what omamori are, the meaning behind their different types, and how they are viewed in Japanese religious culture, helping first-time visitors understand their role with clarity and respect. What Is an Omamori? An omamori is a small amulet traditionally sold at shrines and temples. The word comes from the Japanese verb meaning “to ...
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