Japan, a land of spirituality and symbolism, is full of customs and practices that allow individuals to connect with the divine. Among these traditions, the ema, or votive plates, occupy a special place in the Shinto temples of the country. These small wooden plaques, where visitors write their vows and prayers, are suspended in dedicated shrines, bringing color and life to sacred spaces. From prosperity to health, academic success or romantic wishes, the ema allow us to connect to Shinto deities and to entrust our hopes to the spiritual world.
Origin and Meaning
Ema is an ancient custom in Japan, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). Originally, the offerings to the kami (divinities) were in the form of real horses, animals supposed to transmit prayers to the gods. However, over time and the evolution of religious practices, the offering of horses was replaced by small wooden plates, symbolically representing this sacred animal. These plates are thus called “ema,” a term literally meaning “horse image” in Japanese.
Today, the EMAs are no longer limited to representations of horses. They take various forms, each decorated with specific patterns or symbols, and are used to express special wishes. Whether you wish for academic success, health for your loved ones or peace in the world, there is an ema corresponding to each intention.
Interactive card of many Atypical Ema
Ema experience in Shinto Temples
During a visit to a Shinto temple, you can buy an ema in most shrines for a price usually between 500 and 1000 yen. Once purchased, it is often decorated with an illustration of the sanctuary or divinity that is honored there. For example, at the Meiji-Jingu Temple in Tokyo, the Ema presents images of peace and prosperity, in connection with the historical and spiritual importance of this site. In Kyoto, in the Shrine Fushimi Inari-taisha, the ema take the form of fox heads, an animal emblematic of the Inari divinity.
After choosing their ema, visitors register their wishes and prayers with great sincerity. They can also draw or add personal symbols. Once completed, it is customary to suspend it on wooden racks or on specific locations provided in the temple. This act of suspending theema is seen as a way to bring his prayers closer to the deities, hoping that they will hear them.
Typical Designs and Patterns for All Wishlist
Although traditional ema are often marked by traditional Japanese culture patterns such as sacred animals, flowers or landscapes, some shrines offer more atypical designs, capturing the imagination and originality of visitors. For example, in sanctuaries dedicated to studies or academic success, such as the Tenmangu Shrine of Kitano in Kyoto, it is found in the shape of cow heads or bulls, symbols of perseverance and academic success.
Some shrines, especially those located in modern or artistic places, have also adopted more contemporary styles. In Tokyo, the Kanda Myojin shrine, located near Akihabara, features ema adorned with anime and manga characters. It has become a popular practice for fans of Japanese pop culture to draw characters from their favorite series on ema, thus integrating modern culture with traditional practices.
Another fascinating example is the Ema dedicated to love and relationships, which can be found at the Jishu Shrine in Kyoto. These votive plates are often heart shaped and decorated with cherry blossoms, symbolizing the ephemeral beauty and tenderness of relationships. These atypical designs, in addition to adding an interesting visual touch to the shrines, allow visitors to customize their prayers and add a touch of originality.
Ema and Diversity of Wishes: A Universal Practice
They are not only for Japanese; tourists from all over the world can also leave them, because they are often accompanied by instruction in English. Foreign visitors appreciate this opportunity to immerse themselves in a local custom while adding their own hopes and prayers to the cultural mosaic of shrines. Wishes for peace, prayers for health, wishes for success and love are all messages left by people of different nationalities, giving temples a universal and welcoming atmosphere.
Each ema thus becomes a unique piece, because it carries the hopes and aspirations of its author. Some are distinguished by their sophisticated calligraphy, while others are simple and succinct. Visitors can write in all languages, giving the shrines a colourful and multicultural look.
Best Temples to Buy and Suspend Ema
Some Japanese temples are particularly popular for the diversity and beauty of their ema. Here are some essential places:
- Fushimi Inari-taisha(Kyoto): Known for its foxhead-shaped ema, which represent the protective spirit of the sanctuary.
- Meiji-jingu(Tokyo): They present simple and classic motives for expressing wishes for peace and prosperity.
- Kanda Myojin(Tokyo): Ideal for fans of pop culture, they are often decorated with manga and anime characters.
- Jishu-jinja(Kyoto): Located near the Kiyomizu-dera, this sanctuary is dedicated to the vows of love and offers heart-shaped ema.
These shrines offer a variety of designs and intentions so that each visitor can express his/her prayers according to his/her personal situation.
They represent more than just wooden plates; They embody the essence of Japanese spirituality, combining respect for traditions and freedom of personal expression. Suspended from the shrines, they form a mosaic of vows and prayers that unite the beliefs and hopes of everyone, locals as well as travelers from all over the world. Bringing an ema back in memory, or registering a wish on her trip, allows you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture while leaving a symbolic trace of her passage. Whether you are looking for serenity, success or love, there is still a simple but deeply significant practice that continues to evolve while preserving the soul of Japan.
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