In Japan, “Ema” are small wooden plaques that people use to write their wishes, prayers, and hopes. These plaques are often found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, serving as a means of communication with the divine or the spiritual world. Ema are typically rectangular in shape, and they are decorated with colorful artwork, which usually depicts various animals, deities, or symbols related to the specific shrine or temple where they are purchased. The practice of using Ema for making wishes and prayers is an integral part of Japanese religious and cultural life, and it holds significant meaning for those who participate in it.
Origin and History of Ema
The tradition of using wooden plaques in Japan dates back to the 8th century, during the Nara period (710–794). The word “Ema” is derived from “e” (絵), meaning “picture,” and “ma” (馬), meaning “horse.” In ancient times, people would carve images of horses onto wooden plaques, as horses were considered sacred creatures and offerings to deities, especially to the gods of agriculture and good harvest. The reason horses were chosen is because they were believed to be able to carry prayers to the heavens, thus linking the Ema tradition with the notion of delivering one’s wishes to the divine.
Over time, the design of Ema evolved, and the depictions of horses began to be replaced by other images that represented the specific nature of the shrine or temple. For example, a shrine dedicated to a specific deity or a temple focused on healing might feature images of that particular god or symbol related to their area of influence.
The Symbolism Behind Ema
While Ema traditionally depicted horses, today’s versions are far more diverse in terms of imagery. Common designs include animals such as deer, birds, and even the zodiac animals associated with the year in the Chinese calendar. Each design can carry unique symbolic meanings.
- Horse (Uma): The most traditional design, horses are still a popular choice. They symbolize swift transport of prayers to the gods. The horse is also a symbol of strength, endurance, and protection, and it is particularly associated with deities that protect and grant prosperity.
- Zodiac Animals: Ema plaques often feature the animal of the Chinese zodiac for the specific year. For instance, during the Year of the Tiger, many Ema will depict a tiger, offering blessings and wishes related to that year’s spirit.
- Deities and Kami: Some Ema feature images of specific deities (kami in Shintoism or Buddha in Buddhism), emphasizing the specific prayers or wishes that people are making, such as for health, prosperity, or good fortune.
- Flowers and Natural Elements: Other plaques may feature elements like cherry blossoms, cranes, or other motifs closely tied to Japanese culture and seasonal symbols, representing beauty, longevity, or success.
These designs serve as both artistic representations and symbolic reminders of the individual’s specific prayer or hope.
The Use of Ema in Prayers and Wishes
When a person visits a shrine or temple, they typically purchase an Ema plaque at the entrance. It’s common to see small stands selling these plaques along with markers for writing prayers. The act of writing on an Ema is a personal and reflective practice. Visitors write their wishes, prayers, or aspirations on the back of the plaque. Some people may wish for success in exams, health for themselves or loved ones, or blessings in business or relationships. Others may ask for spiritual guidance or for relief from specific troubles.
In recent years, some people have started using Ema as a form of visual journaling, with intricate drawings or poems accompanying the written wish. This shows how Ema has also become a form of personal expression, not just a religious act.
Once the wishes are written, people hang the Ema at the designated areas within the shrine or temple. These areas are often placed under the protection of sacred trees or buildings where they are thought to be close to the divine presence. The belief is that the prayers and wishes on the Ema will be taken up by the spirits or gods, and in turn, these deities will grant the requests or offer protection to the individual.
Ritual and Tradition in the Use of Ema
The act of placing an Ema at the shrine is more than just a symbolic gesture. It is a ritual that is believed to have spiritual significance. In Shintoism, the relationship between the worshiper and the kami (gods or spirits) is reciprocal. The Ema is considered an offering, and by making this offering, the individual hopes to receive blessings or guidance in return.
At certain times of the year, particularly during the New Year or special festivals, shrines are filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of Ema. This creates an atmosphere of collective wishes and prayers. For example, during New Year’s, many people visit shrines to pray for good fortune in the coming year, and they leave their Ema as part of their new year’s resolutions.
In addition to this, some shrines offer a practice known as “Ema Kuyo,” which involves a special ritual where priests pray over the plaques to ensure that the wishes are heard and fulfilled. The belief is that the divine power invested in the shrine will help the person achieve their desires.
Ema in Modern Japanese Culture
While Ema is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese practices, it has also adapted to modern life. Young people today might write their wishes for romantic love or success in their careers, and it is not unusual for people to share the act of writing wishes on Ema through social media, where they might also share their experiences and reflections.
Interestingly, Ema are not solely confined to religious purposes. They have become a unique cultural item that can be purchased as souvenirs, especially for tourists who visit Japan. Many shrines and temples create custom-designed Ema plaques that reflect the specific characteristics of the area. These can be seen as collectible items, as people often bring them back as keepsakes or tokens of their visit.
Despite their increasing commercialization, the core spiritual function of Ema remains unchanged. They are still seen as a method for expressing personal wishes, seeking divine intervention, and participating in a centuries-old tradition that connects individuals with the spiritual world.
The Fate of the Ema
After a period of time, the Ema plaques are often taken down from the shrine. In many cases, they are burned as part of a purification ritual. This process is known as “Ema Kuyo,” where the plaques are ceremoniously burned in order to carry away the wishes to the gods. This ritual symbolizes the release of the individual’s prayers to the divine, allowing the wishes to be fulfilled or answered.
Burning the Ema is seen as a way to cleanse both the wish-maker and the physical object. The ashes are then often scattered in a sacred or meaningful location, completing the cycle of the prayer.
Conclusion
Ema are not merely decorative wooden plaques; they are vessels of personal hopes, prayers, and wishes. By purchasing and writing on an Ema at a shrine or temple, people are participating in a deeply spiritual practice that connects them with Japan’s ancient religious traditions. While the design of the plaques may change over time, their purpose remains steadfast: to help individuals communicate with the divine and to express their deepest desires for the future. Whether in the form of an ancient horse or a modern zodiac symbol, the Ema remains a significant and cherished aspect of Japanese culture, offering people a tangible way to connect with the spiritual world and receive blessings for their lives.