Statistically it is said that luck is an unlikely event that is beyond our control. However, since ancient times there is a belief that amulets can positively influence her, and one of the countries where more good luck charms are used is Japan. Although there is an extensive list, some of the most popular charms are:
The «engimono» as they are known, are so present in Japanese culture that it is possible to find them almost anywhere we visit, from houses, temples, stores and we even see them on bags, key chains and other personal objects, since they are used not only to attract good luck, but also to protect themselves from misfortune.
The maneki-neko: His name means «cat that attracts». It is one of the best known charms in Japan and is believed to attract prosperity, success and fortune. It is a cat, usually white, with one paw extended that invites us to enter, while in the other it has a coin that symbolizes fortune and on its neck it wears a bell that repels evil spirits.
Daruma: This red doll represents the monk Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism, who would have lost his hands and feet after meditating for a long time, so he lacks arms and legs. It has a low center of gravity that allows it to recover its original posture if it falls, thereby symbolizing perseverance and optimism.
It is also characterized by presenting an oval figure, with mustaches and a beard on its face, standing out for having white eyes, one of which is painted when making a wish and, once fulfilled, the other is painted, to take it to a Buddhist temple as an offering. But if the wish is not fulfilled, it is burned in a purification ceremony held at the end of the year.
Omamori: This name comes from the verb “mamoru”, which means to protect. It is one of the most popular and hardest to find amulets, as it can only be found in Shinto and Buddhist temples in Japan. It is a bag or pendant made of cloth, which contains inside a piece of paper or wood with a special prayer that is written by a monk, to invoke with it the protection of a different god according to the request.
The belief says that it is used to obtain blessings in health, love, studies, prosperity, money, among others; its protection is also believed to last a lifetime, as long as the omamori remains closed.
Although these are the most popular Japanese charms, they are not all used for good luck; discover the complete list and, if possible, acquire one or several of them. Keep in mind that, although we are all creators of our luck, an extra help never hurts. So we invite you to tempt fate with a Japanese amulet. Do you dare?