Japan is a country which has a thick and profound history. They believe in gods and their powers. Their beliefs are inherited, and are under the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism, hence, the existence of engimono or lucky charms. they are deemed to carry luck, good fortune, health and other good fortune to those who own it.
Here are the top 10 engimono you might encounter in Japan:
1. Daruma Doll - It is a red doll with a round figure made up of paper that comes in a variety of styles and colors, which imply different meanings. This is one of the most popular lucky charms in Japan. They are purposely sold without pupils. The rule is when you set a goal you will fill one pupil and when the goal is achieved, you will fill the other. Daruma dolls are found in many businesses and buildings in Japan. People of all ages often use this engimono to wish for things like success in business or high grade in examinations.
Photo by puffyjet. Licensed under Creative Commons.
2. Maneki Neko - Also known as “The Lucky Cat” is a type of lucky charm that attracts good luck and success to its owners. There’s a meaning behind the raised paws of the lucky cat. When its left paw is raised, it beckons customers, while the right paw beckons money and fortune. The original color of Maneki Neko is white but nowadays, there are plenty of colors which comprises of different meanings.
Photo by Kondo Atsushi. Licensed under Creative Commons.
3. Koi - Koi is a representation of many things in Japan. The koi fish is admired because of its ability to swim in the upstreams, despite the rough waves and bad tides. Thus, associating it with courage and strength. Moreover, a pair of male and female Koi fish is believed to be a symbol of fertility.
Photo by liz west. Licensed under Creative Commons.
4. Aka Fukurou - The term Fukurou means owl and this charm is believed to bring good luck and protection from suffering. Different colors and shapes symbolizes different levels of luck and power.
5. Daikokuten - He is included in Seven Lucky Gods of Japan known as the god of prosperity in Hinduism and Buddhism. Daikokuten is often seen in restaurants and business firms that is believed in to bring wealth and luck to the business.
Photo by Rudolf Ammann from Tsu-shi, Japan. Licensed under Creative Commons.
6. Hotei - Hotei (The Laughing Buddha) is the god of contentment and happiness and the guardian of children. It is also believed that he brings fortune, good luck and health. Hotei is one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan.
7. Shisa - It is a statue that resembles a lion that keeps the evil spirit away. You can find lots of Shisa statues in rooftops and anywhere in Okinawa. There are usually two Shisas: the first shisa has its mouth opened, while the other has its mouth closed. It has two different meanings: the one with the open mouth scares the evil away, while the one with closed one keeps the good in place.
Photo by rbnature. Licensed under Creative Commons.
8. Omamori - It is an amulet covered with precious silk bag and contains a letter of prayer or pieces of wood inside.Temples and shrines are the common places who carries omamori which are available in various colors. People who buy omamori keep this with them always for protection wherever they go.
9. Tsuru (Crane) - Tsuru plays an important role of being a good luck charm to Japan for many years. It symbolizes happiness and faithfulness to one’s relationship. You can often see cranes in paintings, and embroidered in wedding kimono.
10. Kaeru - Kaeru term means “to return.” It is represented by a frog, which is an animal that brings good fortune to its owner. It also stands for those people whom you wish for a safe return.
Most of the Japanese people believe in good luck or bad luck. That’s why people often seek out to these engimono to bring them good luck and success in different aspects of their lives.
Get one of these souvenirs when you visit Japan. Not only will these bring you luck but they will be a perfect remembrance from your trip to Japan.
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