The World of the Omamori, Japanese Amulets
Shinto is a religion that has been handed down from ancient times from Japan’s unique religious views. Some religions and religious views were introduced from foreign countries and some of them are arranged in Japanese style.
There are amulets all over the world, but Japanese amulets, called omamori, have been developed specifically in Japan, especially in relation to shrines and temples. As there are amulets all over the world, Japanese people have felt some kind of supernatural power and believed that they could ward off evil or have special powers when they wore them.
Ancient Omamori, Magatama
Since the Jomon period, around the 6th century B.C., it has been popular to have stones such as jade made into the shape of the letter “C” to wear them. Magatama have been found at archaeological sites all over Japan, and it is known that the Jomon people produced them for some reason.
The latest research suggests that in ancient times, there were artisans who specialized in making only magatamas. Jade is so hard and polished that it would have taken months to make a single small jewel. It is believed that the community nurtured the artisans who made only magatamas during this period.
