Omamori (御守りorお守り) are Japanese amulets dedicated to particular Shinto deities as well as Buddhist figures. The word mamori [守り] means protection, with omamori meaning "honorable protector". The amulet covering is usually made of cloth and encloses papers or pieces of wood with prayers written on them which are supposed to bring good luck to the bearer on particular occasions, tasks or ordeals. Omamori are also used to ward off bad luck and are often spotted on bags, hung on cellphone straps, in cars, etc. for safety in travel. Many omamori are specific in design to the location they were made.
They often describe on one side the specific area of luck or protection they are intended for and have the name of the shrine or temple they were bought at on the other. Generic omamori exist, but most of them cover a single area: health, love, and studies, to name only a few. More recently it has become popular for stores in Japan to feature generic omamori with popular characters such as Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty, Snoopy, Kewpie, etc.
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It is said that omamori should never be opened or they lose their protective capacities.
Some popular omamori are: Kanai Anzen - For good health and help with illness. Koutsu Anzen - Protection for drivers and travelers of all sorts. Enmusubi - Available for singles and couples to ensure love and marriage. Anzan - Protection for pregnant women during term and to ensure a safe and easy delivery. Gakugyojoju - for students and scholars. Shobaihanjo - Success in business and matters of money.
Skeptics argue that omamori are mere superstitions and that the only people really making money from omamori are the people who sell them.
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