What is Omikuji?

Did omikuji originate in China.

Omikuji is believed to have its roots in China.

Omikuji, which was introduced to Japan, spread mainly through temples during the Heian period (794-1185).

In the beginning, lots were also a means for warriors to divine the course of battles and for those involved in national politics to make policy decisions.

However, in the Edo period (1603-1867), it spread to Shinto shrines and the general public.

Omikuji in the Edo period were written in Chinese characters.

Most omikuji in the Edo period were written with Kanji, called "Kannon mikuji."

However, with the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912), mikuji written in k kanji became less common.

Instead, new types of omikuji were born, such as those with waka poems written on them.

In other words, omikuji was originally a Buddhist practice, but it spread throughout the country as it came to be practiced at shrines as well.

How to draw the omikuji?

Omikuji is, so to speak, listening to the voice of God.

When drawing a fortune, concentrate on "what you want to divine" and draw it only once.

It is not something that you have to do over and over again because you did not get a good divination result.

How do I judge the results of a fortune telling?

Omikuji judge good or bad luck based on the following criteria.

It is said that a Daikyou is the worst luck, but if you get a Daikyou one, don't worry.

This is because some people see the Daikyou as a good result, because they can think that their luck will not get any worse.

What to do after drawing a omikuji?

You can take your omikuji back with you.

However, when there is a Kyou or a Daikyou, many people tie them back to the precincts.

Some shrines have a place to tie your omikuji, so tie it there.