Ofuda
Encyclopedia
Ofuda, is a gofu (護符) or a talisman
issued by a Shinto shrine. It may also be called shinpu (神符). It is made by inscribing the name of a kami
and the name of the Shinto shrine or of a representative of the kami on a strip of paper, wood, cloth, or metal.
It is to be renewed yearly, typically before the end of a year, and attached to a door, pillar, or ceiling. It may also be placed inside a private shrine (kamidana
). It is believed to protect the family in residence from general harm, such as a disease. A more specific ofuda may be placed near particular objects such as one for kitchen to protect from accidental fire. A popular ofuda called Jingu Taima (神宮大麻) or simply Taima (大麻) is issued by Ise Shrine
. It is made from hemp
cloth; the use of hemp as a material was common from antiquity.
A portable form of ofuda, commonly called Omamori
(お守り) is typically given out wrapped in a small bag made of decorated cloth. This originates from Buddhism
, but was subsequently adopted by Shinto. Both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines give out these omamori. While an ofuda is said to protect a whole family, an omamori offers support for personal benefits.
Amulet
An amulet, similar to a talisman , is any object intended to bring good luck or protection to its owner.Potential amulets include gems, especially engraved gems, statues, coins, drawings, pendants, rings, plants and animals; even words said in certain occasions—for example: vade retro satana—, to...
issued by a Shinto shrine. It may also be called shinpu (神符). It is made by inscribing the name of a kami
Kami
is the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity", some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term...
and the name of the Shinto shrine or of a representative of the kami on a strip of paper, wood, cloth, or metal.
It is to be renewed yearly, typically before the end of a year, and attached to a door, pillar, or ceiling. It may also be placed inside a private shrine (kamidana
Kamidana
Kamidana , is a miniature Shinto shrine found in many Japanese homes. The kamidana is typically placed high on a wall and contains a wide variety of items related to Shinto-style ceremonies, the most prominent of which is the shintai, most commonly in the form of a small circular mirror, though it...
). It is believed to protect the family in residence from general harm, such as a disease. A more specific ofuda may be placed near particular objects such as one for kitchen to protect from accidental fire. A popular ofuda called Jingu Taima (神宮大麻) or simply Taima (大麻) is issued by Ise Shrine
Ise Shrine
is a Shinto shrine dedicated to goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami, located in the city of Ise in Mie prefecture, Japan. Officially known simply as , Ise Jingū is in fact a shrine complex composed of a large number of Shinto shrines centered on two main shrines, and ....
. It is made from hemp
Hemp
Hemp is mostly used as a name for low tetrahydrocannabinol strains of the plant Cannabis sativa, of fiber and/or oilseed varieties. In modern times, hemp has been used for industrial purposes including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food and fuel with modest...
cloth; the use of hemp as a material was common from antiquity.
A portable form of ofuda, commonly called Omamori
Omamori
Omamori are Japanese amulets dedicated to particular Shinto deities as well as Buddhist figures. The word mamori means protection, with omamori being the sonkeigo form of the word, "to protect.".-Design and function:...
(お守り) is typically given out wrapped in a small bag made of decorated cloth. This originates from Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
, but was subsequently adopted by Shinto. Both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines give out these omamori. While an ofuda is said to protect a whole family, an omamori offers support for personal benefits.