Talismans and amulets
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Talismans (ofuda) are believed to keep away mis-fortune and bring good
luck. After being blessed and invested with divine power, they are sold at
Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines. Items S-13-2-l, 2, 7 & 8 are talismans
which protect the owner against various misfortunes; that issued by the
Grand Shrine of Ise offers divine protection throughout the coming year.
Talismans are attached to the ceiling, pillars or other appropriate part of
the house; in the case of S-13-2-7, for example, near the fireplace.
Amulets (omamori) have a similar purpose to ofuda but they are smaller,
enclosed in a brocade holder, and constantly carried around. Most shrines
and temples sell these attractive amulets for a small sum. Among the most
popular amulets are those guarding against traffic accidents or ensuring
success in school examinations.
The omikuji (S-13-2-9), a written oracle, can also be obtained at shrines
and temples. The buyer draws a numbered stick which is exchanged for an
oracle bearing the same number. Many of these slips of paper are seen tied
to trees and fences in the vicinity of shrines and temples - these are
oracles which are either bad (kyo) or very bad (deikyo). By leaving the
oracle behind, the recipient hopes to escape the evil influence.
Almanacs (gohoreki) are sold at the end of the year as a guide to the year
to come. They are based upon traditional Chinese methods of divination and
include astrological predictions, the good or bad directions and dates for
each month and practical information such as tide tables and dates of major
events throughout the country.
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