The year 2023 is finally coming to an end. Have you set your goals and wishes for the coming year?
This article introduces one of the traditional Japanese ways of expressing wishes and gratitude, called ema (votive tablet).
"Ema" is a traditional Japanese practice found in shrines and temples. It involves hanging small wooden or metal plaques with drawings or inscriptions expressing wishes or gratitude. These plaques, called "ema," serve as a means for visitors to communicate their prayers or thanks to the deities. The messages cover a range of topics, such as health, academic success, business prosperity, and family safety. Over time, the ema are replaced, and the accumulated expressions of hope and gratitude contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine or temple.
The history of ema dates back to ancient times, reaching as far as the Nara period (8th century) in Japan. The earliest ema were shaped like horses and were offerings to the gods. Over time, they evolved into wooden or metal boards.
During the Heian period, ema began to bear inscriptions and drawings, becoming a means for individuals to express personal prayers and gratitude. From the Kamakura period onward, ema became established as a tool for general worshipers and expanded to include various wishes and expressions of gratitude.
In the Edo period, ema diversified even further, depicting themes related to daily life, such as business prosperity and recovery from illness. Although the forms and styles of ema have changed in the modern times, they continue to be widely used in shrines and temples, maintaining their importance as a traditional cultural practice.
Foreign cultures don't have a direct equivalent to the Japanese "ema" tradition, but there are similar practices for expressing prayer or gratitude. For instance, in Christian traditions, lighting candles or saying prayers in churches is common. In some cultures, wishes are written on paper and burned or released with the wind.
While the specific methods vary across countries and religions, the common thread is the ritual of expressing hope and gratitude, demonstrating the diversity of ways people connect with their beliefs.
