Across Japan, amidst the crowds or within the privacy of solitude, people read their fortunes and say their prayers. Depending on whether they like what they read, they tie the paper in neat knots outside the temple.
Debbie over at DeliciousBaby inspired me to join this Photo Friday – so I thought that this picture was particularly appropriate:
But I suppose the question is – what would you wish for?
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by abigailking: Today’s photo Friday with @deliciousbaby is “Folding Prayers in Japan” http://bit.ly/4DSoFA…
Hi, I'm Abi, a journalist who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. Read more. Explore more.
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Love the closeups! I’m assuming you throw out the fortunes you don’t like and tie up the ones you do?
@Wanderluster
Thanks! With the Omikuji (the printed fortunes in these photos) you take home the predictions you do like and tie up the ones you don’t. The idea, then, is that the bad fortune gets tied up instead of following you home.
On the other hand, most shrines also have places for handwritten prayers (often on blocks of wood) and these ARE attached to the temple to increase the chances of the prayer being heard. Perhaps I should post a few photos of those…
hi Abi! i really love your site and am a big fan! I have seen this done in Japan many times. When I watch the earnestness with which the Japanese perform this ritual i cannot help but feel that the paper represent hope and the reader represents faith.. hope for something better and faith that you will find it.
lovely shots. keep up the good blog!