Artifact(s) #1: Omamori – Sold at temples &
Shinto shrines

1.     Plain White Omamori – The Japanese script on
the left side of this Omamori reads “Kin Shouji” which is the name of the
specific temple that this particular Omamori comes from and where it was
probably purchased. This Omamori is believed to aid in the safety of raising
children.

2.     White Omamori With Children – This particular
Omamori is also meant to protect children, hence the images of happy children
on the front of it. This Omamori is from the 34^th destination on the
Chichibu route, the Suisenji temple, and provides a significant sense of peace
of mind for families and parents who are concerned about the safety of their
children.

3.     Red Omamori – Following suit with the other two
Omamori, this red one is also concerned with assuring the safety of the youth.
In this particular case, however, the Omamori is meant to aid in the safety of
childbirth. Needless to say, any expecting mother is usually hopeful for the
successful delivery of their newborn child. This red Omamori represents
positive energy and is a symbolic good luck charm in the pursuit of safe
childbirth. Like the first white Omamori, this red one also reads “Kin Shouji,”
meaning that it comes from the 4^th temple of the Chichibu pilgrimage
route.

Artifact #2: Ema – Sold at temples & Shinto
shrines

 1.    Wooden plank – this particular artifact is
carved from a beautiful piece of wood, and is engraved with spectacular looking
Japanese characters. The symbols on the left read “Kinshou Ji,” which is the
name of the 4^th temple on the Chichibu route, where this particular
Ema most likely comes from. The symbols on the right read “Kannon Reijyo,”
which translates to English as “the sacred place of Kannon.” The central image
on the front of the Ema is of a lady referred to as Kannon. One section of the
Kinshou Ji temple houses a magnificent shrine of lady Kannon, which is believed
to be good luck when visited for anyone pursuing healthy child growth and child
protection.