If you’ve ever visited a Japanese Shrine, you would immediately notice that there are wooden plaques hanging around. These plaques are called ema. Wishes are written on it and it is said that the gods will be able to read it and make it come true.
Ema is consisted of two kanjim which translates to picture-horse. Horses are said to be sacred animals as they are the ones who carry messages for the gods. People used to donate horses to shrines in order for their wishes to be granted but this is no longer practiced. Instead, a wooden plaque with pictures of horses are used as a substitute. Zodiac signs are usually painted on the side of the ema, especially the zodiac of the year. There are also unique and famous characters painted on the front side of the ema and the wishes are written at the back.
If ever you have a wish that you want to come true, write it down in an ema for the gods to hear.
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