Ema are one of the most fascinating symbols of Japanese culture. These small wooden plaques, often decorated with magnificent illustrations, allow their users to formulate wishes and address them to the deities in Shinto shrines. Both spiritual objects and works of art, ema are essential for anyone wishing to better understand the traditions and beliefs of Japan. In this article, learn the history, meaning and how to use these unique Japanese wish plates.
Origin and history of ema
From offerings to symbolic plaques
The origin of ema dates back centuries, to a time when worshipers offered real horses to Shinto shrines to ask for blessings or thank the deities, called kami. These horses, symbols of prestige and wealth, represented a direct link between the human and the divine. However, as gifting a horse becomes less and less accessible, this tradition has transformed over time. Believers then began to offer artistic representations of horses, before turning to wooden plaques, which were more practical and accessible.
The word ema literally means “horse image” (絵馬), recalling this ancestral origin. Although horses are still found as a motif on some plaques, their symbolism has expanded to include a wide variety of depictions. These plaques have become a way for worshipers to express their prayers in a tangible way while participating in a cultural and spiritual tradition.
An object at the heart of Japanese spirituality
Ema play a central role in Shintoism, the traditional Japanese religion. What makes them particularly unique is their ability to materialize the prayers of the faithful. Unlike other religious practices where wishes are expressed verbally or silently, writing on an ema offers direct interaction with the deities. Ema are not limited to Shinto shrines: Buddhist temples have also adopted them, illustrating the interconnection between the two great Japanese religious traditions.
How to use an ema?
The writing ritual
To use an ema, you must first purchase one at a shrine or temple. These plaques, sold at prices generally varying between 500 and 1,500 yen, are often personalized according to the theme or deity of the place. Once the plaque is in hand, the faithful write their wishes or prayers on the blank surface, generally using a marker provided.
The messages written on the ema are of great diversity, reflecting the hopes and concerns of visitors. Among the most common wishes are:
- Requests for academic or professional success.
- Prayers for the health or healing of a loved one.
- Wishes related to love or family prosperity.
Some visitors also add personal drawings or decorations, transforming their ema into a unique and emotionally charged work.
Suspending ema: A symbolic act
After writing their vow, worshipers hang their ema on ema kake, wooden porticos often located near the main hall of the sanctuary. This symbolic gesture marks the offering of the wish to the kami. The porticos filled with ema offer a spectacular view: a tangle of plaques where each piece of wood tells a story, an aspiration, or a thank you.
Some people prefer to take their ema home as a souvenir, while others choose to give it as a gift to a loved one. Whether hung or kept, ema remains a deeply meaningful spiritual object.
The different patterns and symbols of ema
Visual and symbolic richness
Ema are not limited to simple wooden plaques: they are also works of art, often decorated with patterns rich in meaning. These illustrations vary depending on the shrines and the deities they honor. Among the most common designs are:
- Sacred animals: Foxes (Inari), cranes and koi often symbolize prosperity, luck or protection.
- The elements of nature: Cherry blossoms, mountains and rivers evoke the beauty and strength of nature.
- Representations of the Japanese zodiac: During the lunar year, many shrines offer ema decorated with the animal associated with that year.
Some modern ema reflect contemporary influences, such as anime or manga characters, aimed at attracting younger audiences. These variations demonstrate the ability of ema to evolve while retaining their spiritual essence.
An artistic and spiritual expression
Many shrines offer hand-painted ema, with careful details that make them true objects of art. These plaques then become much more than a simple spiritual tool: they are transformed into symbols of creativity and Japanese craftsmanship. Some rare ema, created by local or famous artists, may be considered collectibles.
Where to find ema in Japan?
Sanctuaries famous for their ema
Ema are available at most Shinto shrines, but some places are particularly renowned for their unique plaques or exceptional designs:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto): Known for its ema in the shape of a fox face, a tribute to the deity Inari.
- Meiji-jingu Shrine (Tokyo): Offers ema with a refined design, perfect for prayers for success or peace.
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kyoto): A popular place for students for prayers related to academic success.
- Ise-jingu (Mie) Shrine: Considered the most sacred shrine in Japan, its ema reflect a sober and spiritual aesthetic.
Some local festivals also offer temporary emas, created especially for the event.
The ema in memory
If you would like to keep an ema as a souvenir, many shrines allow you to purchase a plaque without hanging it. Some craft shops also offer personalized emas, ideal to give as a gift or to take home as a token of your visit.
Why are ema, these Japanese wooden greeting plaques, so fascinating?
Ema are not simply spiritual objects: they also embody personal stories, collective hopes and a deep connection between the human and the divine. Their ability to transcend cultural barriers lies in their universality: everyone can identify with the need to express a wish or ask for help.
Visually, ema captivate with their beauty and diversity. Whether it is a richly decorated plaque or a simple piece of wood bearing a sincere message, they form a collective picture that tells the story of the aspirations of an entire society.
To conclude, we can therefore say that my ema, with their simplicity and deep meaning, truly embody hope and faith. Whether you are a believer or simply curious, participating in this ritual will be a unique way to interact with Japanese culture. During your next visit to a sanctuary or temple, take the time to discover these unique plaques, write your own wishes, and contribute to this beautiful, age-old tradition.
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