Good Luck!

Engimono

Good luck talisman (engimono) are thought to being luck and can be purchased from shops around shines. Each talisman may signify a different thing and would be purchase for a specific reason.

Maneki-neko

Maneki-neko – is a beckoning cat that is thought to bring good business and is a decoration for shops.

Daruma doll

Daruma – when the Japanese went to make a wish come true the often buy a daruma doll and paint in one of the eyes. If the wish does end up coming true, they then paint in the other eye as a sign of gratitude. At the time of elections, many candidates will have one of these in their campaign offices.

Wara-uma – is a straw house for a good harvest

Hamaya

Hamaya – is an arrow with the power of exorcising evil spirits that is bought by people visiting shrines at New Year to pray for happiness

Inu-hariko – This is a paper-mache dog that is often given or purchased by women. It is said to help with child-birth and raising child.

Akabeko – This is a red paper-mache cow or ox. It is used to keep away misfortune.

Temples and shrines sell many different kinds of engimono – for good health, good luck, for a boyfriend or girlfriend, happy marriage, goof fortune, even for talisman for your dogs and cats.

Akabeko



Inu-hariko