These omamori are from the Shimabuji Tmeple, which is the first temple pilgrims on the Chichibu pilgrimage in Japan visit. Omamori are protective amulets or good luck charms that are used to keep one safe from bad spirits. There are a variety of different kinds of omamori, each seeking to protect one from a different specific danger. The purple omamori on the left in the picture below is a kotsu anzen. Title: Shimabuji Omamori
Date: 2000s
Place of Creation: Shimabuji Temple
Materials: Embroidered cloth, gold colored cardboard, calligraphy paper, braided cord, and plastic beads.
Description: Protective amulets to be carried by those on pilgrimage to protect them from bad spirits and being them good luck. 
         Kotsu anzen omamori are used specifically for the protection of travelers and those in transport. This is fitting for pilgrims because they can obtain these at the Shimabuji temple before they set out on the Chichibu pilgrimage. The calligraphy text written on the omamori tells that those who are suing this amulet will be protected by the “God to Help” or “Helper Kannon”. It also tells that the omamori helps protect those in possession of it to be “safe to drive”, “to get lucky”, and “to get rid of bad things” that they may encounter on their travels. The Shimabuji temple selling an omamori offering protection so that its owner is “safe to drive”, is significant consider the number of pilgrims who now chose to make the pilgrimage by driving.

To see examples of other kinds of omamori and their meaning, visit: http://www.tsubakishrine.org/omamori/omamori.html 

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