In Japanese religious and spiritual practices, the “Ema” plaques hold significant importance, particularly in the context of Shinto and Buddhist traditions. These small wooden plaques, often inscribed with prayers, wishes, or requests, have been an integral part of Japan’s cultural and religious fabric for centuries. Their role in prayer and ritual reflects both personal devotion and a broader cultural understanding of spirituality and interconnectedness with the divine.
Ema: An Introduction
“Ema” are wooden plaques that worshippers write on, usually at Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples, and they serve as a form of offering. The word “Ema” literally translates to “horse plaque” (“e” meaning picture and “ma” meaning horse). This name comes from ancient practices where people used to donate horses to shrines as a form of offering. Over time, the practice evolved into using these wooden plaques, as real horses became expensive and impractical. The tradition persists today, where people write their hopes, desires, and prayers on the plaques, which are then hung at the shrine or temple.
Historical Background of Ema
The tradition of Ema dates back to the Nara period (710-794 AD), though the practice became more formalized and widespread in the following centuries, especially during the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Initially, people would offer actual horses as a form of tribute to shrines, as horses were considered valuable animals. As time passed, the Ema plaques emerged as a more practical and symbolic offering. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Ema began to take on the form we recognize today, with intricate and colorful images of horses or other motifs, serving both as offerings and as a means to fulfill wishes.
The Symbolism of the Ema Plaques
The symbolism behind Ema is deeply tied to both Shinto and Buddhist practices. At the heart of it, Ema represents the human desire for connection with the divine. The messages written on these plaques are often personal petitions for health, happiness, success, love, or even protection. The physical act of writing down these desires is seen as a form of communication with the divine, a way to express gratitude or seek blessings.
The choice of horse as the central image on Ema plaques is symbolic in its own right. In Shinto, the horse is considered a messenger of the gods, particularly associated with the deity Hachiman, the god of war and protector of Japan. Horses were believed to carry prayers and offerings to the gods, making them a fitting representation of human petitions for divine intervention. In modern Ema, however, the images on the plaques can vary, including not just horses but also pictures of specific deities, auspicious animals, or other spiritual symbols.
Ema in Shinto Practices
Shintoism, the indigenous spirituality of Japan, often incorporates nature, rituals, and reverence for kami (spirits or deities) into its practices. Ema is closely connected to these elements. When individuals visit a Shinto shrine, they typically make a small monetary donation and then write their wish or prayer on an Ema plaque. The plaque is then hung at the shrine, often on a designated structure like a wooden frame or tree branch, where it remains until the deity of the shrine, or kami, is believed to have received the offering.
Ema is not just for individual wishes but also for community offerings. During major festivals or ceremonies, people may collectively hang Ema plaques, hoping for blessings on behalf of the entire community or nation. This practice exemplifies how Ema functions as a way to connect the individual to larger social and spiritual networks, transcending personal needs to include the welfare of the wider society.
Ema in Buddhist Traditions
Though more commonly associated with Shintoism, Ema also plays a role in Japanese Buddhist practices. In Buddhist temples, people may write prayers or wishes on Ema, seeking blessings from Buddhist deities or bodhisattvas. While the general practice remains the same—writing a personal wish on a plaque and leaving it at the temple—the spiritual purpose may vary slightly.
In Buddhism, the Ema plaque could be used to request things like enlightenment, protection from evil spirits, or the well-being of loved ones. In some cases, Buddhist temples also feature Ema plaques with images of various Buddhist figures, such as Amitabha Buddha or Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Here, the plaques might not focus as much on the material aspects of life as much as on spiritual enlightenment, compassion, or wisdom.
Rituals and Practices Surrounding Ema
Writing on an Ema plaque is often done with a sense of solemnity and reflection. At the shrine or temple, visitors will typically choose a plaque from a collection of wooden boards, each one blank for personal inscriptions. Some shrines offer pre-designed Ema with specific images or themes related to a certain festival, such as a year of the zodiac animal, or specific requests like marriage or health. After writing their wish, people will leave the plaque at the shrine, where it is believed the divine will receive it.
In some cases, visitors return the following year to pick up their old Ema plaque, often after receiving their wished-for blessing. This is seen as a way of acknowledging the divine’s response, whether in the form of fulfillment of the wish or the offering of protection and guidance. In the context of Shinto shrines, the plaques may be burned in special purification ceremonies as a way of concluding the prayer or blessing process.
Modern Use of Ema
Although the traditional use of Ema is still very much alive in Japan, it has evolved with modern cultural shifts. Today, Ema plaques come in various forms, some being highly decorative, with intricate drawings and designs, while others may be more simplistic. In urban settings, some shrines offer Ema with popular motifs, such as animated characters, animals, or even sports teams, appealing to a younger generation that may want to combine modern cultural elements with their spiritual practices.
The practice of writing on Ema has also gained international recognition, with tourists from outside Japan partaking in the tradition, often leaving messages for good luck, success in business, or personal well-being. Many shrines, especially in Kyoto and Tokyo, offer English-language versions of Ema plaques to accommodate international visitors, reflecting the global interest in Japan’s religious and cultural practices.
Ema’s Role in Healing and Community Connection
In addition to personal wishes, Ema also plays a role in communal healing and support. Particularly in times of crisis or disaster, the use of Ema can be seen as a way for people to come together to seek blessings or protection. For instance, during periods of war or natural disasters, shrines often see an influx of Ema with requests for safety and the well-being of families. The act of writing the wishes on the plaques is a form of catharsis, a way to express hope and resilience amidst hardship.
Through its use, Ema reinforces the interconnectedness between the individual, the community, and the divine. It is not simply a tool for personal gain but a form of collective prayer, reflecting the deep sense of unity that many people feel in their relationship to the larger forces of nature, the divine, and society as a whole.
Conclusion
The Ema plaque holds a significant place in Japan’s religious and spiritual practices, serving as a powerful symbol of human hopes, wishes, and the desire to connect with the divine. Whether used in Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples, these wooden plaques offer individuals a tangible way to communicate with the spiritual world, express gratitude, and seek blessings. Through its long history, evolving forms, and modern interpretations, Ema continues to be a vital part of Japan’s prayer traditions, linking the past with the present, the individual with the collective, and the material with the spiritual.